https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:11:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641584 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 18:19:20 +0000 nana87 2641584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Contact paper taped down to the floor or an easel or table and collage materials (maybe fabric leaves to go along with a fall theme?) are a good/less-messy project! You could draw a tree underneath the transparent paper so they're putting the leaves on it. </p> <p>Also self-stampedes and stickers are less messy than glitter or glue or paint </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641568 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 17:20:39 +0000 MrsSRS 2641568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How about Mouse Paint the book and paint inside sealed gallon bags for sensory play? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641540 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 16:05:17 +0000 caterw 2641540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about something with stickers/ washi tape?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641425 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 14:08:56 +0000 jhd 2641425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cole: they have the do-a-dot markers at Michaels and often have a 40% off coupon if you happen to live near one.</p> <p>I would suggest stickers or those foam crafts (again use a Michaels coupon) to cut down on the mess. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641360 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 12:50:33 +0000 honeybear 2641360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would skip the art project with a group of 1-2 year olds. At the limit, I might put out some butcher block paper and washable markers.</p> <p>When we have had other children over in groups larger than two, or when there are toddlers involved, we put away nearly all of LO's stuff and pick out a couple of types of toys to keep out. I try to keep some toys just for these types of occasions so that they're relatively new and fun for LO too. If you can't do that (we've got plenty of toys now due to 6 years of birthdays and Christmases, but we didn't have much when he was little), just pull them out of rotation for a few days before, and the effect will be the same. :) </p> <p>Also, I'd get out of the house at least for a little bit, if at all possible. It's always fun to play with bubbles, draw with chalk on the driveway, or roll a ball around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641259 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 10:33:48 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2641259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no suggestions on how to get toddlers to sit and listen to a story, but maybe you could start with an activity, then try the story, then do some Art. </p> <p>Maybe let them use those washable window markers to color on a sliding glass door and then spritz water with small water bottles to clean it up? My son's toddler/twos program had that and the kids loved it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641224 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 10:14:22 +0000 Cole 2641224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm loving the nature walk ideas, the date isn't until the end of November though so the leaves will likely be mostly gone. </p> <p>Unfortunately, a lot of the moms are way more interested in chatting (I totally get that!) but it means glitter and paint in my dining room with toddlers will be hell. </p> <p>@looch: I love those markers! I need to watch for a sale on them, my budget is small and they are pricey but they would be a great addition to our supplies. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641124 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 08:45:13 +0000 looch 2641124@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: oh on the back of that nature walk, what about using that nature paper to make a print? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641120 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 08:39:11 +0000 Mamaof2 2641120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is it warm enough to take a walk?</p> <p>If so take a walk and gather leaves and do this</p> <p><a href="http://preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com/2016/09/sparkly-leaves-garland-preschool-leaf.html" rel="nofollow">http://preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com/2016/09/sparkly-leaves-garland-preschool-leaf.html</a></p> <p>I am sure you could find tons of fun books about leaves at the library </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641114 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 08:34:05 +0000 looch 2641114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have any dot markers? My son did a project using them when he was in preschool, no more than 3 years old and it's hanging up in my kitchen, it's that good! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641108 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 08:25:27 +0000 daniellemybelle 2641108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is it warm enough outside to do the story &amp; craft in your front yard and then come inside for snacks &amp; free play? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/story-and-craft-help-for-toddlers#post-2641071 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 07:46:19 +0000 Cole 2641071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My mom's club does an art date each month for the kids and I host it. Over the summer it was awesome because we'd go to a local park and I'd pull out tons of paint, glue etc and we'd do process type art project and it was fine if it was super messy. Next month I'm hosting it at my house though... The other issue is with preschool during the week the average age dropped quite a bit so the kids are mostly 1-2 year olds with a few 2-3 year olds.</p> <p>My thought is to do a story after everyone arrives then one to two related crafts and then snack and free play. One issue is that when kids walk into a new house filled with toys they have zero interest in sitting for a story or art project... I'd love any suggestions for both running it or story and project ideas. And if you have a better plan let me know! Thanks! </p>