• SHOP PRODUCTS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Laughing Kids Learn

Where learning is made fun

  • Home
  • Sensory Play
  • Art & Craft
  • Numeracy
  • Literacy
  • Science
  • Recipes
  • Video

Search Results for: toddler

Fine Motor Sticker Activity for kids

Kids playing and learning with stickers for fun and fine motor development

February 6, 2017 by Kate 6 Comments

I have to be honest, I love my kids playing and learning with stickers for fun and fine motor development. Children are like magnets to stickers and it’s wonderful to see their creativity and skills grow as they play.  Some of you might be aware of the #52weeksofplay Instagram photo challenge I’m running. Click here if […]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: colours, fine motor, preschool, toddler

threading-and-playing

Simple fine motor play activity using pipe cleaners and a cooling rack

November 9, 2016 by Kate 13 Comments

Here is a simple fine motor play activity using pipe cleaners and a cooling rack. It’s super quick to set up, a great way to introduce basic threading to your child and you’ll be amazed at the final results. Your cooling rack will never have looked so pretty!  It’s always around dinner time that Possum (4.5 years) and […]

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years Tagged With: colours, fine motor skills, pipe cleaners

pencil-topper-feature

Simple to make Halloween pencil toppers

October 24, 2016 by Kate 6 Comments

Children love Halloween and so I thought I’d share some simple to make Halloween pencil toppers. It’s a quick little craft that will suit all ages, especially toddlers. It’s a great way to encourage children to write, draw and develop their strength in holding a pencil.  Possum (aged 4.5 years) and Boo (1.5 years) are […]

Filed Under: Art & Craft, Celebrate, Craft, Halloween Tagged With: craft, Halloween, preschooler, toddler

Zero to Two: Book of Play ebook

Zero to Two: Book of Play ebook

August 21, 2016 by

Zero to Two: Book of Play ebook provides you with over 25 wonderful open-ended activities specifically designed for babies and toddlers that can simply be done at home using basic materials. The joy and learning gained from such activities will work towards establishing important pathways in their future development. Over 25 inspiring baby and toddler play […]

chocolate bird nests for kids to make over Easter or for a party

Chocolate bird nests your kids can make at home

June 16, 2016 by Kate 3 Comments

Brace yourselves because here are some delicious chocolate bird nests your kids can make at home! They are so easy to make and you only need 3 ingredients. Perfect to prepare for kids birthday parties, to enjoy over Easter or to simply have as a sweet treat, this is one recipe you should keep aside and […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, Cook, Making, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: 3 ingredients, cooking, recipe

Pom pom challenge using a straw and tape

April 26, 2016 by Kate 6 Comments

If you ever need a quick and simple activity to keep the kids busy, set up a pom pom challenge using a straw and tape. It’s great fun for kids of all ages and something children can do independently or as a group.  Don’t you just love those activities that keep the kids entertained for ages? […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, activities for children, activities for preschoolers, Fine Motor, Indoor play, Play Tagged With: fine motor, games, indoors, simple set up

kids making in the kitchen mixing ingredients

How to give your child free rein in the kitchen

April 18, 2016 by Kate 10 Comments

Could you do it, could you allow your child the freedom to make whatever they wanted? I thought I’d try it out and see what happens and share with you how to give your child free rein in the kitchen. Yes, call me crazy, but I’m aware that so much learning can happen when you strip […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, activities for preschoolers Tagged With: cooking, sensory

Simple sewing shapes using paper plates and yarn

Learn about shapes using paper plates and yarn

April 2, 2016 by Kate 29 Comments

This is a super fun preschool activity that will help your children learn about shapes using paper plates and yarn. You can add a bit of painting to the activity if you want to too! It basically rolls everything that a preschooler loves. This activity has been on my ‘to do’ list for a long time and Possum […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, activities for preschoolers Tagged With: colours, fine motor, painting, paper plates, shapes, threading

baby musical guitar instrument that is homemade and kids can enjoy playing. Just use a baking tin and rubber bands.

Homemade baby guitar instrument using rubber bands

March 7, 2016 by Kate

This homemade baby guitar instrument using rubber bands is lots of fun for babies, toddlers and even preschoolers! It’s so easy to make. Along with the rubber bands you just need a simple baking pan.  I always get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I see my children playing, especially when it’s with bits and […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, Fine Motor, Music, Video Tagged With: cause and effect, fine motor skills, listening, musical instrument

Quick, easy, no-bake chocolate mint slice recipe

March 1, 2016 by Kate 7 Comments

I love cooking with my kids and here is a quick, easy, no-bake chocolate mint slice recipe that you’ll want to try with your kids too. It is wonderful because it only uses 4 basic ingredients and allows children to mix, stir, pour etc. This simple recipe can be served an enjoyed at birthday parties when you a special guests coming […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Cook, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: birthday, cooking with kids, no bake, recipe

How to make rainbow oats for sensory play

February 18, 2016 by Kate 3 Comments

I thought you might be interested to learn how to make rainbow oats for sensory play. Of course the texture of oats is very different from your typical sensory bin, which can include rice or beans. So if you have some stale oats at the back of the kitchen pantry, colour them and get your kids […]

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, Sensory Play Tagged With: food colouring, sensory play

fine motor skills with washi

Simple musical shakers for kids

January 10, 2016 by Kate 2 Comments

Handmade instruments can be lots of fun to make and these simple musical shakers for kids are no exception. You only need a few materials to make them and they’ll keep your kids occupied as they decorate and play with them. It has been very hot and so we have been looking for some simple ways to entertain ourselves […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, activities for preschoolers, activities for toddlers, Fine Motor Tagged With: homemade, music, toilet rolls, washi tape

Writing a letter to Santa on free Christmas printable

Free printable children can use to write their Christmas wishes

November 17, 2015 by Kate 2 Comments

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is so close. To help your child get into the spirit and excitement of this wonderful time of year I have created for you a free printable children can use to write their Christmas wishes. At the start of this year I had a goal, which was to create my […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, activities for preschoolers, activities for toddlers, Christmas, Printable

Wooden toys with stacking rainbows make great gifts for kids

Wooden toys children would love to receive as a gift

November 3, 2015 by Kate 3 Comments

I recently received an email from someone asking what wooden toys children would love to receive as a gift and if there were any that I’d recommend. Wooden toys are certainly a great choice to make over plastic toys. I’m not rejecting children playing with plastic toys, all play is beneficial, but if budget allows then there are some reasons for […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Christmas, Gift Idea, Parenting Tagged With: Amazon, creative, gift ideas, wooden toys

Last minute Halloween ghost crafts

October 26, 2015 by Kate Leave a Comment

Here is a collection of great last minute Halloween ghost crafts that your kids are sure to enjoy. They are great for children as young as toddler age to do and don’t require a whole lot in setting up or instructing.  Like you, I completely understand how life can get busy and these celebrations come around so […]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: celebrations, Halloween, simple to set up, toddler

Last minute Halloween spider crafts

October 25, 2015 by Kate Leave a Comment

Here is a collection of some great last minute Halloween spider crafts that your child is sure to love. These crafts are also suitable for children as young as toddler age.  I’m not a huge fan of spiders (the real kind), but all of these simple spider craft ideas are cute and are quite easy to set […]

Filed Under: Halloween Tagged With: celebration, crafts, Halloween

Organic pumpkin

Last minute Halloween pumpkin activities

October 24, 2015 by Kate 1 Comment

Halloween is a time of year that many families look forward to and go to great lengths preparing for. Of course the Internet is absolutely flooded with Halloween craft ideas, you’ll find many on my Pinterest Halloween board, but to make life easier for you I have collated a few last minute Halloween pumpkin activities that your […]

Filed Under: Celebrate

Paint with water activity for kids who are bored or wanting to be creative outdoors.

Painting with Water

October 19, 2015 by Kate 11 Comments

Painting with water is one of those activities that kids absolutely love and can spend hours doing over and over again. It helps build their creativity and confidence to experiment and develop early writing skills. And all you need is a bit of sunshine, brush and water!    I remember as a child painting with water on the […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Outdoor Activity, Writing Tagged With: drawing, outdoor activity, water, writing

Using feet in spaghetti play for sensory learning

Playing with rainbow coloured spaghetti

October 12, 2015 by Kate 11 Comments

Playing with rainbow coloured spaghetti is a very simple play idea that children of all ages enjoy. The cool, colourful stringy strands are almost irresistible, even to adults. By simply cooking and colouring spaghetti children are treated to a wonderful sensory experience that is hard to compare to any other and it’s amazing the different […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, activities for babies, activities for toddlers, Messy Play, Sensory Play Tagged With: colours, multi-aged activity

Pumpkin seeds in a jar. Delicious snack idea over Halloween.

How to roast pumpkin seeds for a crunchy snack

September 26, 2015 by Kate 2 Comments

Are you giving your children the same snacks day after day? Well, if you’re looking to offer them something a little different, and within keeping of Halloween that’s fast approaching, I encourage you to read on and learn how to roast pumpkin seeds for a crunchy snack idea.  Pumpkin would have to be one of my favourite fruits! […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, activities for preschoolers, activities for toddlers, Cook, Fine Motor, Halloween, Recipes Tagged With: cooking, fine motor, Halloween, recipe, sensory

Sequined cd spinners. craft for toddlers or preschoolers

Sequined CD spinner

September 14, 2015 by Kate Leave a Comment

These beautiful sequinned CD spinners is such a wonderful and simple craft for toddlers or preschoolers to make. Your child will only need a few bits to make them and once finished, they absolutely glimmer in the sunlight and spin when hung from wire.    Are CDs still used these days? It’s hard to keep […]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: colours, fine motor, recyled materials

Baby looking inside discovery box

Baby play idea using a tissue discovery box

August 27, 2015 by Kate 2 Comments

Very simple baby play activity that turns a simple tissue box into a learning discovery box. Your baby will be occupied and have great fun playing and pulling out and exploring all the wonderful treasures that have been hidden inside. It’s a game that they can play over and over again!  Poor Possum (aged 3 […]

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, activities for babies, busy bag, Play, Sensory Play Tagged With: baby play, discovery, sensory, texture

Buzzy bee paper plate

Paper plate bee craft activity

August 3, 2015 by Kate 12 Comments

Inspired by ‘Bee Movie’ on Netflix, we did a simple craft activity that uses a paper plate to make a bee! Aside from it being ridiculously adorable, the process in making this bee has toddlers and preschoolers cutting, tracing, tearing and sticking various pieces in order for it all to come together. A real fine motor […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, activities for preschoolers, activities for toddlers, Art & Craft, Craft Tagged With: cutting, fine motor, paper plate, pasting, tearing, tracing

using shoe laces on this lacing board simply made at home

Simple homemade lacing board

July 4, 2015 by Kate 5 Comments

I’m so excited to share with you my simple homemade lacing board for kids. It’s so easy to make you only need a few things that you’ll have around the house. When your child plays with this simple lacing board they will develop fine motor skills while building an understanding of basic sewing skills.  This simple lacing board […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, activities for children, activities for preschoolers, activities for toddlers, Fine Motor Tagged With: 2 materials, colours, concentration, creativity, design, experimentation, fine motor, hand/eye coordination, homemade, preschooler, toddlers, trial error, weaving

Plate dreamcatcher craft using pompoms from The Reject Shop

Simple dream catcher craft for kids

June 22, 2015 by Kate 42 Comments

Here is a simple dream catcher craft for kids using pieces I purchased at the discount variety retailer, The Reject Shop. This craft is easy for children as young as toddler age to make and they look absolutely beautiful when displayed.  Sponsored by The Reject Shop One of the most common questions I’m asked by […]

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, activities for children, activities for preschoolers, activities for toddlers, Art & Craft, Craft, Giveaway, Sponsored Post

Paper plate Crown

Paper plate crowns

May 29, 2015 by Kate 7 Comments

Children of all ages will have fun making simple paper plate crowns or hats. They are easy to make and a great way for children to get creative and possibly get into some imaginative play using them. So let me show you how to make them.  A few days ago I received a message on my […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Art & Craft, Craft, Making, Play Tagged With: craft, imaginative play, paper plates

Counting activity for kids using pompoms

Simple counting activity for children

May 21, 2015 by Kate 36 Comments

Here is a fun and simple counting activity for children. It’s very easy to set up at home or in the classroom, can be designed to suit individual needs and will help children build and consolidate their understanding of identifying numbers and how it’s represented using pompoms.  Numbers are everywhere and it isn’t until your 3.5 […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Fine Motor, Numeracy Tagged With: counting, fine motor, maths, numbers, numeracy

Fine motor exercise using newspaper

Fine motor exercise using newspaper

March 10, 2015 by Kate 6 Comments

Here is a simple and fun fine motor development exercise you can get your children to do at home or in the classroom. All you need is a single sheet of newspaper! It’s a fine motor exercise using newspaper!  As a classroom teacher of ten years, I’ve come across many children who need help in […]

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Fine Motor Tagged With: fine motor

Fun kids activity - Valentine's Day doily hearts

Valentine’s Day Doily Hearts

February 13, 2015 by Kate 4 Comments

Simple Valentine’s Day activity that children as young as two years old can do! These Valentine’s Day doily hearts make gorgeous bunting when strung together or can be displayed individually on a window as a stunning sun catcher. These can be done any time of the year, but you might like to make it a […]

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Art & Craft, Celebrate, Paint Tagged With: display, food colouring, Valentine's Day, water

learning about numbers through play with kids

Number matching activity for kids

January 15, 2015 by Kate 15 Comments

Simple to make number matching activity that toddlers and preschoolers can do at home or in the classroom. Great for developing number recognition and matching skills.  Possum (aged 3 years) has shown a wonderful curiosity for numbers for quite awhile now. She recognises them when we are out and about and regularly asks us to write […]

Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, Numeracy, Uncategorized Tagged With: homemade, matching, math, number, numeracy

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Next Page »
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.

facebookpinteresttwitterinstagramgoogle plusyoutube

Search

Find More Great Ideas Here:

sesnory play
art and craft
nummeracy
literacy
Science
recipes
videos

Join the Tribe!

Subscribe



Find Activities by Age

  • 0 – 12 months
  • 1 – 3 years
  • 3 – 5 years
  • 5 – 10 years

Find Activities by Celebration

  • Christmas
  • SHOP PRODUCTS

Privacy Policy

  • Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Find posts by month

Copyright © 2026 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in