Invitations to play

I am always on the lookout for ways to re-use materials and trying to make further use of a knobbed puzzle the other day I set up a really simple activity that kept M busy for a while. These puzzles are the kind of material that after a few uses become old hat. I fear that is one of the disadvantage of most non open-ended materials. But well, with a bit of imagination we can reuse them!
For this activity you only need the wooden already mastered puzzle, a tray, and flour, salt or corn-starch. I covered the pieces with starch and presented it next to the base of the puzzle. I added a thick paintbrush as an invitation to uncover the "treasure".
M eagerly took the brush and dug up the pieces. She was quite excited to see what was buried there!



PRINTING WITH PAPER TOILET ROLLS

Once a week, generally on Mondays, I try to set out an invitation to paint and such provocations very seldom remain untouched around here. This way, we have explored for example shaving cream painting, watercolor making, finger paint, glue and glitter, stamping with different objects such as old shoes soles, bubble wrap paper, toilet paper rolls, acorns, leaves... things that cost really nothing or very little and provide a wonderful experience and a while of focused work.
Last week I placed on a table in the terrace some toilet paper rolls and fluorescent paint and M had fun stamping with them. Such an easy to set up and simple activity!