Photo courtesy of organicgreen.org

            However you chose to celebrate this time with your toddlers and family, make sure to share the special message with them.  This is important for them understand the real reason behind the holidays.  They are kids, and this may not be a fun topic for them, but we can make it fun by enhancing their creativity by doing crafts and different activities.  I also make Easter baskets and hide a few eggs for him to find, this is something that he will enjoy and will associate it with Jesus.  It’s my first year trying it so I will let you know how it goes. 🙂 Either way they are learning something through this process and that’s the most important thing.

            I am not a teacher and it’s sometimes hard for me to find ideas and ways to teach my impatient toddler.  Crafts have to be simple and supplies have to be limited because he loses focus very fast.  Do any of you have this problem?  To find ideas or printouts I use Google to find the perfect site www.dltk-holidays.com/easter/crafts.html.  This site has step by step directions on how to create the crafts along with the supplies you need.  Sometimes I add my own flavor to the crafts.  It’s important to let your toddler help you whenever possible, My son loves to use glue and paint.  It’s a great way to teach them colors and shapes as well. Here are a few craft Ideas for you guys that I did this year with my toddler. 

Craft #1:  Easter Cards. This one is really simple, you can use construction paper or regular printer paper whichever you prefer.  Fold it and then you can write or have your child color on it.  I wrote and then had him place stickers on the front along with inside.  I also helped him write his name and date inside the card.  He also did his own artwork as well.  These are great gifts to send to family out of town, also perfect for grandparents and other family members.  You can also do hand prints of your child’s hands to place inside the card with a message.  It’s simple and quick. 

Craft /activity #2: Window clings.  I went to the dollar tree for most of my decorations and art supplies.  Because my son is small he likes to break the crayons so buying the cheapest ones are the best idea.  I let him stick the clings to the window and then take him outside to see. He really enjoyed that, and it also helps develop their fine motor skills.

Craft#3: Foam Shapes.  You can buy these at the dollar store as well.  They are foam but you can stick them to construction paper or leave them as is.  We used them for one card, and the others we are going to decorate on Easter Sunday.  You can use stickers and markers to decorate.  I definitely recommend using washable markers for these activities.

Craft/activity#4: Story time and color print out.  This week I read the story of Easter to my son and daughter.  It was a great way for my three year old to interact with the story.  He was pointing and asking questions, which meant he was interested in it.  Following the story I printed a picture of a cross with the words, “HE IS RISEN” (Mark 16:6).  I created a board on my wall for my son to place all his artwork for that month.  So we tape it up and he enjoys looking at it.  I let him use markers or crayons for this (all washable in case of accidents).
           

Regardless of your beliefs or faith, I recommend that you do some type of craft or activity with your toddler and kids if you have a chance.  These is a great time to teach them and help build memories.  I hope you enjoy some of these ideas I provided this week, I really enjoyed doing them with my little one. 

            Thanks for stopping by, to share is to care so pass this on to other mommies. Together we can strive for mommy success! Happy Easter!

Blessings,

Reina Gonzalez