Toddler Learning Activity: Simple Sorting Activity (Busy Bag)

With how much my daughter loved her Animal Matching worksheet I wanted to make her something that would take her longer to complete. She also LOVES Umizoomi so I used a picture of each of the characters from a Google search to make some cards and sorting boxes Since the images are copyright protected I am not sharing the sheets I used, but if you pick your favorite pictures (from Google, clipart, or ever family pictures) and just Right Click-- Print -- then choose "Contact Sheet (35)" they come out the perfect size for both a fine motor activity and a sorting one. The sorting box was SUPER simple to make, I used 3 jewelry boxes I had lying around, stapled them together and glued a copy of each picture into the bottom. Then I put all the other cards into the baggie. She prefers to dump them out and sort, but it takes her about 20 minutes to get them all done.

Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.

Toddler Learning Binder: Animal Matching

I'm so excited to share these sheets I've made with you, and they are completely FREE to download. The instructions are SUPER simple, but will bring TONS of educational fun to your little one. 

Instructions:

1. Print 2 copies of each Matching game you want to create. One will be for your board the other for the cards. 

2. Cut one sheet to create cards.

3. Laminate the cards and the "board" (heat laminating works best)

4. Use adhesive velcro dots to attach the cards to the sheets, try not to cover the pictures as this will make it difficult for your little one to match them up. 

5. Allow to set for about an hour (full adhesiveness will not take effect for 24 hours)

6. 3-hole punch the sheet at the top (if you're going to put them in a 3 ring binder) 

7. Allow your little one to play. 

While playing identify each animal, make the sound and try to get them to mimic it as well. Some of the sheets that will be coming out later will also have the words incorporated to help them begin to identify the word with the animal, and then later still we will have just the words to match the animal. The great thing is you will only need to create new cards as the board can be reused with each set. To download the worksheet, click the link below the picture.

**UPDATE: I have built the pages below to now include the picture, the pictures with the words, and then a final sheet with just the words. 

Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all. 

Animal Matching Page 1

Animal Matching Page 2

 Animal Matching Page 3

Animal Matching Page 4

Toddler Learning Binder Series Introduction

I am beginning a wonderful series entitled "Toddler Learning Binder" that those of you with babies, toddlers, or those that are teachers won't want to miss. Today's will be just a short entry to prepare you for what is to come. 

Just a few things I have lined up are:

Simple Matching Pages
Advanced Matching
Letter Matching
Number Matching
Play Dough Play mats
Letter Writing
Number Writing
Shape Drawing 
And MORE... 

The binder will be set up to be able to be used over and over again with the same sheets, by using things like laminating sheets, page protectors, dry-erase markers/crayons, etc. 

Things to have ready:
1-2" 3-ring Binder
3-hole punch
Page protectors (light weight work, heavy weight are better)
Laminating sheets (and laminating machine if you choose heat)
Scissors
Self-adhesive Velcro dots (can be found in the sewing section)
Printer (and colored ink for the best outcomes)

For a sneak peak of what's to come check out this link:

Animal Matching

Lots more to come. I will continue to post a fun, new, addition to our Toddler Learning binders each time I come up with one. Make sure you're rotating out the items so that your child doesn't become bored with the activities and they stay fun and interesting. 

Just remember, with planning and organization, you CAN do it all.