Keeping a toddler entertained can be really simple, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Seriously, get my daughter a box and she’ll spend all day coloring in it and hanging out with her stuffed animals. Today I have two easy activities that are both fun and educational, as they work your toddler’s fine motor skills with buttons, as well as teach your toddler shapes and colors. Here are the only 3 things you need:
- Cereal box
- Large plastic buttons (I like these)
- Pipe cleaners (I got mine from the dollar store)
I took a cereal box and cut a small slit, just big enough to push the buttons through. For an extra learning touch, I ask her what color and shape she’s holding. According to her, the circle ones are her “lucky buttons”, which I finally found out she got from one of the My Little Pony movies. That’s also where she got the word “stuffy stuff”, but I won’t go there. I like the buttons I got because they’re a random assortment of shapes and colors; there are so many different kinds you can buy on Amazon, but just make sure they’re large to prevent a choking hazard.
The pipe cleaners are perfect for sliding the buttons through. I found that I have to pull the end through another hole in the last button to make sure they don’t fall off. Allison likes making button snakes, and has decided to make one a mommy snake, and another a baby snake. In addition, she plays hide-and-seek with them, and makes me carry around the baby snake crying out for his mommy because he can’t find her. At least she has an imagination!
Like I said, it’s really simple, but she likes to get them out at least a few times a week and will sit there for at least 20 minutes working on these buttons. It could be a great quiet time activity while you’re cooking dinner or doing something else that requires concentration. Do you have any other ideas as to what we could do with buttons? Be sure to leave a comment!
Jaime is a Nutrition Coach through the ISSA and professional writer. She has 4 years experience coaching and 9 years experience in writing. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD learn to meal plan and cook healthier meals without getting overwhelmed.
Stephanie
Friday 20th of January 2017
Connor still has his toddler busy book that has tasks like these and from time to time he pulls them out and plays with it. I like that it's a simple "toy" that keeps their hands and minds busy.