fine motor Archives » The Stay-at-Home-Mom Survival Guide

Let Children Build a Small Bouquet

Jaimi Erickson — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Hand a child a pile of flowers and something predictable happens. They don’t sort by species or think about symmetry. They go straight for colour, grabbing whatever catches their eye first, then adjusting by feel rather than by rule. The result rarely looks like anything a florist would sign their name to, and that’s exactly […]

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9 Halloween Activities and Crafts for Toddlers and Up

Jaimi Erickson — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:15:54 +0000

Time for some Halloween activities and crafts fun! I know many families do not participate in Halloween, but I keep it “cute” for the kids with these learning activities that cover children from toddlers to preschool and early elementary. Five are my own creation and I also have shared links to other blogs that […]

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Mini Muffin Pan Counting Game (for Halloween or Any Season)

Jaimi Erickson — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 23:41:57 +0000

This is a quick, simple counting game that can be made for any season or holiday theme. We made it for Halloween or fall. The only supplies are a muffin pan or mini muffin pan, muffin liners and mini erasers. There are alternatives so you can use what you have at home. This is very […]

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Spider Web Counting Number Match

Jaimi Erickson — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:34:00 +0000

Do you have left over pieces of that rug grip to keep area rugs from slipping? I have a use for it: Make pretend spider webs to create a number and counting game. with plastic Dollar Store spiders game is a hands-on math activity for preschoolers perfect for Halloween time. Spider Webs Counting Game Supplies: […]

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Craft Pumpkin Shape Faces

Jaimi Erickson — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 23:19:15 +0000

Check your local craft store for the small craft pumpkins. They go on sale frequently. I grabbed a couple for this activity that puts a Fall spin on Mr. Potato Head. This one is a shape learning activity that can be a solo invitation to play or interactive. It teaches kids about shapes and helps […]

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Nuts and Bolts Fine Motor Sorting and Classifying Game

Jaimi Erickson — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:19:24 +0000

Toys for sorting and matching can be expensive, and they have one use. A simple walk down the nuts and bolts aisle of your local hardware store will give you inspiration for this easy and inexpensive activity that teaches sorting and classifying for preschoolers. This is excellent fine motor skills work too. And all that […]

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Educational Outdoor Activities Utilizing Your Patio Space

Jaimi Erickson — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:30:17 +0000

In today’s fast-paced digital world, outdoor learning experiences are more valuable than ever. If you have a patio, you already have the perfect setting for engaging and educational activities like outdoor night games for kids. With the right approach, your patio space can become a mini-classroom where children and adults alike can explore nature, science, […]

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Bluey Characters Lap Play Activity (Great Travel Game Too!)

Jaimi Erickson — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:44:00 +0000

Toddlers and Preschoolers need play materials that they can touch, move and explore their imaginations. This lapbook cookie sheet play idea is perfect to keep the play less messy and it can be used as a travel toy too. A dollar store cookie sheet is the main item you will need to buy for creating […]

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Front of the Fridge Play Space for Toddlers

Jaimi Erickson — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 20:48:07 +0000

When you are cooking, cleaning or doing other household chores in the kitchen, toddlers will follow. It can be helpful – and cute – to have them nearby while you are working to cook or clean. Keeping an eye on the littles ones at this age is so important! Learn more about that in my […]

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Copy and Stick: Make a Word Pre-Reading Activity

Jaimi Erickson — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 22:03:42 +0000

I often walk through the dollar store scanning for items that I can use in creating activities. I found some alphabet stickers (which can get a little pricey at the scrapbooking or craft store) so I scooped up a bunch for this game: it is a guided way to make words with stickers. We can […]

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