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 […]
Painting with Kitchen Scrubbers
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 […]
Crazy Magnetic Hair Styles
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 […]
Science Experiment for Kids – Magnetic Force
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 […]
Sensory Gloves for Babies and Toddlers
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 […]
Shredded Paper for Sensory Play
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 […]
D.I.Y Toys using old cards
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 […]
Word Rolls
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 […]
Lemon Scented Play Dough
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 […]
LEGO activity for tots
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 […]
Baby Collage
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 […]
DIY Strawberry Scented Play dough
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. […]
The Disappearing Act
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 […]
Soapy Sludge
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 […]
Rice Play
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! […]
2012 Highlights
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 […]
Disappearing Candy Cane science experiment
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 […]
Edible Finger Paint
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 […]
Milk Bottle Rackets
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 […]
Box Play
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 […]
Contacted Leaves
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 […]
Peek-A-Boo!
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 […]
Blanket Hammock
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 […]
Spaghetti Play
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 […]
Magic Trick for Babies
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 […]
Bubbles
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 […]
Bird Seed Feeder
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 […]
Colouring Rice
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) […]
DIY Sensory Board for Babies
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 […]