Toddler Time!

If you're not quite ready to put your child in preschool, or if you're just looking for another activity during the week that is more structured than a regular playgroup, you might want to think about coordinating a "Toddler Time" with other young moms in your area. Some friends of mine started a "Toddler Time" this fall and apparently it's been a hit for kids and moms alike! One of their catch lines sums it up: "Because breaking out the art smock is a lot less scary when we're doing it together!"

Here are some excerpts from the flier they sent out to moms in their area:

Every other Wednesday: Oct 6, 20, Nov 3, 17, Dec 1

9:30-10:30ish

Calvary OPC, Glenside, Fellowship Hall

Moms and toddlers ages 1-3

Parents can help by:

1. Contributing $10 for art supplies for the whole fall

2. Bringing a snack to share with the group

3. Leading one of the activities listed below, every meeting or alternate with a friend

Schedule:

9:30- Circle Time Welcome (Lead the group in new or familiar songs and introduce a theme while everyone arrives)

9:40- Story or Finger Play (bring a book from home to read or teach a song with hand motions

9:50- Creative Movement (lead a gender-neutral dance/movement activity to music)

10:00- Craft

10:15- Free Play and Snack (sign up to bring a snack to share)

10:25- Good-Bye Song (Lead a good-bye song...we'll use the same one every week)

10:30- Dismiss and Clean Up (Sign up to clean up)

Fall Schedule:

COLORS!

Oct 6- Red/Leaf Printing

Oct 20- Blue/Painting Sticks, Pumpkins and Acorns

Nov 3- Yellow/Playdough

Nov 17- Purple/Tissue Paper Collage

Dec 1- Green/Bubble Wrap Printing

Of course you can change up the activities to gear them toward your children's ages and interests. For example, you could stick to themes such as sports, music, nature or cooking.