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Patting the moon sand

Moon Sand

March 31, 2014 by Kate 29 Comments

Brace yourselves because this is an awesome activity that your kids will love to play with. It’s called moon sand and it’s wonderful for sensory learning. What I also love is that it is super quick to make, you can even get the kids involved. Recommended age – 3 years + (always provide active supervision during play) Moon […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Making, Play, Recipes, Sensory Play, Uncategorized

Painting with Kitchen Scrubbers

August 14, 2013 by Kate 10 Comments

    I was visiting my local Daiso store where everything you see is $2.80. You can imagine how strangely thrilled I was to see a pack including three kitchen cleaners, which included a sponge, soap-free scourer and bristle brush for next to nothing in price.   Sure, some people would use these in the […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Art, Art & Craft, Paint, Play, Sensory Play Tagged With: art, paint, painting, toddler

Crazy Magnetic Hair Styles

July 15, 2013 by Kate 17 Comments

Magnets are lots of fun for children to use, they seem quite magical. Here is a fun activity that allows your child to create some crazy magnetic hair styles. Crazy Magnetic Hair Styles You may remember a science experiment that I demonstrated on Laughing Kids Learn that highlighted magnetic force.   I couldn’t help myself […]

Filed Under: 5 - 10 years, Fine Motor, Play, Science

Science Experiment for Kids – Magnetic Force

July 13, 2013 by Kate 27 Comments

  As a child I loved learning about science. Conducting experiments to prove facts and test out theories was wonderful and it satisfied my natural curiosity, much like so many children.   Here is a simple science experiment that you can do at home!       You will need –  1 container or drinking glass […]

Filed Under: 5 - 10 years, Play, Science

Sensory Gloves for Babies and Toddlers

July 12, 2013 by Kate 1 Comment

    Babies (and toddlers) learn so much through their sense of touch. I had a few latex gloves that had gone unused for quite awhile that I decided to use them for this sensory experience for Possum.     I don’t own any birds but had a box of seed that was calling out […]

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, Play, Sensory Play

Shredded Paper for Sensory Play

June 25, 2013 by Kate 9 Comments

  I love it when common materials become these engaging play activities for children. This was the case when I received a delivery that was full of shredded paper!   Normally I would have tossed it into the trash, however, without a thought Possum was instantly attracted to all these amazing white strands and quickly […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, Play, Sensory Play

D.I.Y Toys using old cards

June 20, 2013 by Kate 29 Comments

      If you’re a parent I’m sure to can raise your hand to admit that at one time or another you’ve purchased a fancy new toy only to find they are more interested in playing with the box. Doh!     So in typical Laughing Kids Learn style I decided to make a […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, Art & Craft, Craft, Making, Play

Word Rolls

June 17, 2013 by Kate 42 Comments

It’s true that every country, state and school can approach reading education differently, however, these little wordy rolls are great to assist children in recognising how words are put together and can often be broken up in diagraphs and phonemic blends.  I simply recycled some wrapping paper tubes that I’d normally have thrown out and fortunately […]

Filed Under: 5 - 10 years, Numeracy, Play Tagged With: DIY, literacy, words

Lemon Scented Play Dough

June 1, 2013 by Kate 8 Comments

As a child I always loved things that had a beautiful scent. Give me smelly stickers any day!!! There are lots of great scented play dough on the net but I decided to present mine to look like a real lemon as well as smell amazing.    This recipe is super simple because it involves […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, Play, Playdough, Recipes, Sensory Play

LEGO activity for toddlers

LEGO activity for tots

May 30, 2013 by Kate 15 Comments

Here is a fabulous LEGO activity for tots to do simply at home. It is wonderful for hand-eye coordination and colour matching.   Don’t you just love those moments when children surprise you?  Possum and I were playing with a few random paddle pop sticks that I’d left out from a craft activity when she […]

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, Fine Motor, Numeracy, Play

Baby Collage

April 22, 2013 by Kate 21 Comments

The weather is start to change where I live and I am finding myself preparing Possum more activities to do indoors.    Of course this activity isn’t restricted to indoors (or babies)  but it helps keep children busy on such days.      Let’s get our children doing some collage!    There are many learning […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Play, Sensory Play

DIY Strawberry Scented Play dough

April 10, 2013 by Kate 7 Comments

Once you’ve tried this gorgeous DIY strawberry scented play dough, you’ll make it again and again!      As a child I always loved things that smelt great. Strawberry was a favourite, I remember. Now, there are lots of great scented play dough recipes on the Internet but I decided to share with you my fabulous recipe. […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Making, Play, Playdough, Recipes, Sensory Play Tagged With: fine motor, play dough, recipe

The Disappearing Act

March 5, 2013 by Kate 49 Comments

Here is a fun way of playing with your baby and it is much like peek-a-boo, which they all know and love. I like to call it the disappearing act as they see an object appear and disappear in a container. It taps into developing their understanding of object permanence, so the object hasn’t actually […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, Making, Play Tagged With: babies, baby

Soapy Sludge

February 28, 2013 by Kate 30 Comments

    Many children over the age of about 2 or 3 years old would love this activity because playing with soapy sludge gives them a great sensory experience. I also love that it requires very few ingredients and it’s easy to whip together.        RECIPE 2 cups LUX Pure Soap Flakes 1-2 cup hot […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, Making, Play, Recipes, Sensory Play

Rice Play

January 18, 2013 by Kate 9 Comments

  Using rice for sensory play is fun and educational.        Rice play can help children develop their many senses and it  teaches them lots about the world they live in.    Babies especially love it and it is usually a product that is found at the back of the pantry!      […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, Play, Sensory Play

2012 Highlights

December 29, 2012 by Kate 1 Comment

As the year comes to a close I start to reflect on all the great activities and ideas that I’ve been able to post to you in 2012. It was tough to whittle it down to a select few.  What has been a favourite for you?  Colouring Rice http://laughingkidslearn.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/colouring-rice.html Milk Bottle http://laughingkidslearn.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/milk-bottle-rackets.html Cold Spaghetti http://laughingkidslearn.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/cold-spaghetti.html […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Celebrate, Cook, Making, Play

Disappearing Candy Cane science experiment

December 4, 2012 by Kate 3 Comments

Here is a fun and simple Christmas science experiment that you’re children are sure to be amazed by. Did you know that it is possible to make a candy cane disappear?  It always seems the way, Christmas comes around and there is candy everywhere. Didn’t we just recover from Halloween? Hahaha We are not huge […]

Filed Under: Christmas, Play, Science Tagged With: Christmas, observational skills, science, water

Edible Finger Paint

November 15, 2012 by Kate 37 Comments

I love being creative and I especially love when I can get my little Possum creative too. This type of paint is wonderful because it’s non-toxic, unlike those that claim to be but still include weird numbers in the ingredients.  So let’s make our own EDIBLE FINGER PAINT!!!!! ____________________ Making your own finger paint can […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, Art, Art & Craft, Cook, Making, Play, Recipes, Sensory Play

Milk Bottle Rackets

November 13, 2012 by Kate 1 Comment

  Kids will love REUSING empty milk bottles and making them into a racket. Hours of fun to be had and a great way to demonstrate how everyday items can be recycled and reused.       Adults will find they are simple and quick to make but will have the children playing for hours. You […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Art & Craft, Craft, Play

Box Play

November 7, 2012 by Kate Leave a Comment

It’s true, sometimes children prefer to play with the wrapping instead of the toy.  Here is a great example of what you can do with some of the old boxes you have laying around.  Here I have used black cardboard boxes but regular brown boxes are good to use too.  Provide your little one with […]

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Art, Art & Craft, Play

Contacted Leaves

November 1, 2012 by Kate 7 Comments

This is a great activity that promotes discussion and develops observation skills.  Select some leaves from your garden or the local park. Carefully place each leaf on the sticky surface of clear contact.  Place another layer of clear contact over the leaves and trim the edges.  Smooth out any bubbles or creases.  Hang for display and […]

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, Art, Art & Craft, Making, Play

Peek-A-Boo!

October 25, 2012 by Kate 2 Comments

Little games of peek-a-boo are wonderful for babies. It engages them and entertains them while teaching them much about the world around them. It’s hard to imagine but this is what learning they gain from the experience. Learning achieved –* When you disappear you will reappear* Repartition* Patterning, which helps with understanding of predictability* Interpreting […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, Play

Blanket Hammock

October 19, 2012 by Kate Leave a Comment

This is an activity that Possum has enjoyed since the first few weeks of life. Simply place your little one of their back and with the assistance of another adult, grab the corners of a blanket and gently raise the baby off the ground. If your baby seems to enjoy the experience then you like […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, Play, Sensory Play

Baby playing with spaghetti

Spaghetti Play

October 16, 2012 by Kate 8 Comments

Children of all ages love to get involved in spaghetti play. You can simply colour the wonderful long strands or simply leave them uncoloured. Babies particularly love this type of play and parents don’t have to be too worried if they put it in their mouth as it’s all completely edible! Honestly, there really is so much learning […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, Play, Recipes, Sensory Play Tagged With: babies, sensory play, toddlers

Magic Trick for Babies

October 10, 2012 by Kate 3 Comments

Here is a simple activity that babies will love!  All you need is an empty tissue box (or similar) and some long pieces of material which you can feed in. I suggest feeding the material in bits at a time, rather than as a scrunched up ball, as it will pull out better for baby […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, Play

Bubbles

October 8, 2012 by Kate 1 Comment

Who doesn’t love the grace and beauty of bubbles?  They are absolutely captivating and it’s almost a natural response to pop a few.  Bubbles are loved by all ages, especially newborns.  We made the most of a few moments of sun to go outside and play with bubbles.  Possum watched the bubbles until they suddenly […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Making, Play

Beautiful bird seed feeder or hanger kids can make.

Bird Seed Feeder

October 6, 2012 by Kate 1 Comment

  These bird seed feeders are just so beautiful and look amazing in any garden. They are so easy to make and kids get such a thrill as new birds stop by for a bite. Here are the instructions on how to make your own DIY bird seed feeder or hanger.    How to make a DIY […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Art & Craft, Literacy, Making, Numeracy, Play, Sensory Play

Colouring Rice

October 2, 2012 by Kate 11 Comments

Colouring rice to use as a sensory activity is brilliant. Children can become so creative and love the feeling of the rice gains running through their fingers.   How to colour rice     What you’ll need –  *Uncooked rice (brown rice works too) *food colouring *sandwich bags *hand sanitizer (or white vinegar)      […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, Making, Play, Recipes

DIY sensory board for babies

DIY Sensory Board for Babies

September 25, 2012 by Kate 33 Comments

Here are the instructions on how you can make your own DIY sensory board for babies. I encourage you do make one of these yourself, your little ones will love it!  Providing our little ones with rich sensory learning experiences is so important. The good news is that it’s also really very easy to make your own […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, Making, Play Tagged With: babies, DIY, sensory play

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Welcome
Hello and welcome!
My name is Kate and I am a mum to two little girls, Possum and Boo. We have lots of fun together learning with play at home and are pleased to share some of what we do with you.
Read my about page to find out more.

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