Continued...

Thursday

Nature Crafts

Send your little one out into the backyard today to gather leaves, pebbles, twigs, acorns, and flowers. Choose from these nature-based activities!

1. Rock painting. This is always a favorite no matter how old my boys get. Decorate your garden with beautiful kid-painted rocks and pebbles! Spread rocks out onto a paper towel and paint outside if possible. Allow to dry in the sun. We often choose themes like superhero symbol rocks or wacky patterns.
2. Make wizard staffs and fairy wands. Squeeze glue on small segments of a stick and wrap yard tightly around the glue. This is useful for holding leaves, feathers, or seed stalks in place. Glue whatever other earthly materials to your wand and paint if desired!
3. Create animals, people, or fairy art by gluing flower petals, twigs, and leaves onto blank paper. 
4. Try leaf painting stencils. Paint leaves and press into paper or onto larger pebbles. 
5. Print the nature mask template here and glue on flower petals, leaves, or feathers to create a beautiful and unique mask!

Friday

Cotton Craze

You’re going to put those remaining cotton balls to good use today! There are so many things you can do with a simple package of cotton balls. Here are 5 activities to occupy your child today using them.

1. Cotton ball painting. It’s a simple activity but very fun and entertaining for little ones. Simple dip cotton balls in paint and paint away! For a more specific challenge, try this cherry tree painting!
2. Make your own cotton ball art. See Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom for inspiration!
3. There are many crafts your child can make with cotton balls, glue, and a paper plate, such as a rainbow, sheep, or penguins.
4. Create a cotton ball sensory bin by filling a small plastic container with cotton balls and other sensory items like pinecones, foam letters, small toys, etc. 
5. Tape empty paper towel rolls to the wall and let your toddler drop cotton balls through it. You might even try to create a little maze for the balls to fall through!

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.