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Heather | Play-based Learning & Caregiver Tips

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Hi, I’m Heather! A former teacher and mom of two. Keeping it real and sharing simple ways to connect with your child and learn through play.

Follow along for sensory play, simple invitations, our favorite toys, and more! by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago

Flower arranging with dandelions! Simple to setup, we love this engaging nature activity!

Step 1️⃣: Have child pick or cut dandelions. Collect in a small bin or bucket. Perfect opportunity to practice scissor skills!

Step 2️⃣: Provide a small pitcher or cup of water, scissors, a small vase or containers, and a tray to help contain all the materials.

Step 3️⃣: Time to arrange! Let child decide how arrangement should look. Child uses scissors to cut stems down as needed.

Learning Benefits:

🌼 Inspires wonder, curiosity, and an appreciation for beauty in nature

🌼 Practical life activity that that builds independence and confidence

🌼 Learn new vocabulary (stem, bud, leaf, root, petal, dandelion, wilt, vase, glass, ceramic)

🌼 Increases understanding of early math concepts (length, height, symmetry, one-to-one correspondence)

🌼 Use problem-solving skills (child determines how long or short to keep the stem based on vase height)

🌼 Fine motor practice! (Pouring, cutting, arranging)

Grooved pitcher and tray @lovevery

Have you tried flower arranging with your child? Comment below!
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#mindfulplaymonday #mindfulplay #learningthroughplay #natureplay #montessori #montessoriactivity #montessoritoddler #montessoripracticallife #montessoriathome #montessoripreschool #montessoriinspired #reggioinspired #reggiokids #reggioemilia #simpleplayideas #toddleractivities #preschoolactivities #preschoolathome #homeschoolpreschool by @stop.drop.andplay

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3 years ago

No prep toddler messy play! This sensory play is taste-safe, takes seconds to set up, and cleans up quickly!

Want to adapt this play to better fit your child’s interests or your family’s preferences? See below for recommendations!

Our play:

Pudding … on a high chair tray … with trucks! That’s it!

The importance of messy play:

👉🏿 Helps build nerve connections in the brain and promotes cognitive development
👉🏾 Engages the senses
👉🏽 Encourages creativity
👉🏼 Strengthens problem-solving skills
👉🏻 Supports language development
👉🏿 Builds self-esteem
👉🏾 Strengthens motor skills
👉🏽 Encourages experimentation

Make this play work for your child and your family! Recommendations on how to adapt this play:

1️⃣ “My child’s highchair sits at the kitchen table, has no tray.”
👍🏿 Use a cookie sheet or serving tray at the kitchen table! Secure it with painter’s tape (fold tape and stick pieces to bottom of tray).

2️⃣ “Even though it’s for play, I’d rather not give my child a pudding cup with all those added ingredients.”
👍🏾 Use yogurt! And no need to add food coloring, they won’t care what color it is. The texture is just as fun!

3️⃣ “I’d like to try this with my baby but they are too young for little trucks like that and chocolate.”
👍🏽 Use yogurt for baby and just provide teething toys! Beneficial way for baby to explore texture and build fine and oral motor skills!

4️⃣ “My child doesn’t like trucks.”
👍🏼 Follow your child’s interests! Washable animals or figurines would work perfectly!

5️⃣ “I never know what to do or say while my child enjoys messy play (besides just worrying about the mess!)”
👍🏻 Contain the mess, know your limitations, and create a “yes space” for your child. Let your child lead the play! Expand their vocabulary—add words to their actions or describe their play. Join in if you feel comfortable. Or, just sit back and quietly observe. Do what feels right for you!
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#toddlerplayideas #toddlerplay #learningthroughplay #learningthroughplaying #canyoudigitday #toddlerhood #messyplay #messyplayideas #messyplaymonday #simpleplayideas #simpleplay #sensoryplayideas #sensoryplay #parenthood #parentingtips #toddlerartinvitations by @stop.drop.andplay

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3 years ago

Akron Children’s is bringing more childhood to the Cleveland area with three new locations in Beachwood and Mayfield Heights.

We had the best time celebrating with @akronchildrens at their recent open house event!

The boys received their own little white doctor coats, learned how to keep their bodies healthy, and enjoyed visiting with the pediatricians, nurses, and therapy dogs!

Akron Children’s providers care about each child. Whether sick or well, every interaction we’ve had with Akron Children’s has surpassed my expectations.

Akron Children’s means 100% kid-focused care. For locations near Cleveland visit the link in my bio.

#akronchildrenspartner #sponsored #akronchildrens #morechildhoodplease #cleveland by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago

Lately …

1. Garage door mosaics with @magnatiles

2. (Short) hike with the boys

3. Shaving cream mud kitchen @hapetoys_usa

4. Art exploration with our beloved @primocolor_usa paints

5. Science enthusiasts

6. Pool time and too many popsicles to count

What are some highlights of your July? by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago

Our 4th did not go as planned, and maybe yours didn’t either. Ours included a high fever, rainy weather, and a lot of TV. Ended the day with a family crafting session, but I assure you there were tears (not shown).

Holidays always seem filled with high expectations and grand plans. No matter how yours ended up, just a reminder that you are still a great parent! by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago

Next level of parenting unlocked! For nearly 5 years, our schedule has revolved around someone’s nap time and making it home for nap.

Okay yes, Mr. 2 still naps but our days are no longer planned around his nap. If he misses the nap, it’s not a big deal since he’s slowly dropping it.

If you’re in the trenches and your days still revolve around nap times, hang in there! There’s light ahead!

#momhumor #momlife #toddlermomlife #toddler by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago

Mom hack! Make DIY travel playdough kits for vacation or on the go! Takes just a few minutes to throw together!

All you need:

⭐️ Divided reusable container

⭐️ Playdough

⭐️ Loose parts (think stones, caps, lids, sticks, ribbon, buttons, anything!)

⭐️ 1-2 small tools (roller, stamper, dough knife)

⭐️ Add in a few trinket toys (optional). You could put in random items or center around a theme!

Just pack with you and bring out for a little sensory play break when your child (and you) need it!

Tip: We usually shop small for dough but like to use Play Doh in our travel kits. The dough can get pretty gross after a week of use and travel!

#momhacks #parenthacks #momlife #travelwithkids by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago

Can never fully escape … especially when the playroom is my “gym.”

#selfcaremom #momlife #reletablemom #motherhood by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago

We’ve been keeping a ball in our car and highly recommend doing so. Made a brief surprise pitstop at a park between errands to run around and play.

The boys were ecstatic and thought it was the coolest plan. Those 15 minutes made their day!

Thanks to @everyday.ourway for the idea to always keep a ball in the car!

#momlife #momhacks #parentingtips #parentinghacks #kids by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago

Heading to a playground in the morning? Don’t forget to pack an old towel to wipe off those slides and swings! Goodbye wet pants!

We love this popular mom hack! Do you bring a towel to the playground?

Mom hacks, parenting hacks, life with kids
#momhacks #momlife #parentinghacks #kidswillbekids by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago

Non-candy egg filler ideas that won’t end up in the trash after Easter!

🐰 Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars

🐣 Animal figurines, like those from @terrabybattat

🐰 Temporary tattoos

🐣 Stickers

Mom hack, Easter ideas, egg hunt, Easter ideas for kids

#momhacks #momhack #easterideas #momlife #moms #parentinghacks by @stop.drop.andplay

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2 years ago