Kitchen Play

So my son was loving using the toy kitchen at a friends house recently and is really into helping in the kitchen.  I really wanted to encourage this interest in cooking but I didn't want another huge piece of children's equipment taking up space and not sure how long the interest would last.  Luckily we had just purchased some bookshelves and I had the large boxes left over so I decided to make him his own stove/oven.  It only took me an hour and I figured that I could just pop in the recycling bin when we were finished with it.  He has been using it for months now and still loves it, after about 2 months the oven door is a bit wonky but other than that it has stood the test of time.

I purchased some mini cooking equipment - tongs, spatula, whisk, pots and pans - from Kmart for $1-$2 each to the whole thing cost me about $10.

Long Break

Hi All,

My blog has been neglected for quite a while.  Returning to work and parenting seem to have taken up every moment of my day.  Just to add to the business we are expecting a second child any day now.  I have been busy creating lots of toys still and am hoping over the next couple of months to update you on what we have been doing.  I have been putting together some "busy boxes" of things to keep the 2 year old occupied while I am tending to the new bub so will add them to the blog. 

Stay tuned more to come very soon.

Thanks for sticking with me

Caroline

Cheesy Mac and Veggies

This is a favourite recipe in our household.  I tend to make it just for the kids but the adults are always pleased to eat up left overs.

Ingredients
125g Macaroni
25g Butter
1 Tbsp Plain Four
3/4 Cup milk warmed
150g (about 1 cup) of grated Colby or Tasty Cheese
1/2 Cup of Peas
1 Carrot peeled and diced.
(optional extras corn kernels, cauliflower, zucchini - it is great to get 5 veggies in the dish and see it eaten all up).

Method
- Cook the macaroni as per packet instructions
- Cook the veggies.
- Melt butter, add flour, cook for 1 minute on medium low heat.  Gradually add milk stirring until smooth.  Stir until milk is hot but not boiling.  Add cheese, and stir until cheese is melted.  Mix together with pasta and veggies.  Enjoy!

Muesli Slice - No refined sugar

I have made this gem a few times and taken it to friends houses and it is a hit with kids.  (although it can create lots of crumbs on the floor!) much healthier than store bought muesli slices. 

Ingredients
125g butter
100g golden syrup
1 cup rolled oats
11/2 cups dried fruit (sultanas, cranberries, chopped apricots)
1/2 cup self raising flour.

Method
- preheat over to 180degrees. Line a slice tin with baking paper.
- melt butter and golden syrup over low heat
- place dry ingredients in a bowl then add syrup mixture and mix to combine.
- press into lined tin.
- cook for 20-25 minutes until just golden on top.  Allow to cool completely before cutting into slices.

Note: although this is a healthier option be wary of the sugar content from dried fruit and golden syrup and I would still keep as an occasional treat.

Super Easy Car Tunnel

This is so super simple but has given my son entertainment for months.   Basically you just get a toilet roll.  Cut one side and place around a piece of wood (would probably work with a piece of cardboard too but not last as long).  Tape into place.  Only thing you need to do is make sure the wood is wide enough for a car to drive along.  We created this for my son when he had just turned 1 and he loves it.  Great for developing fine motor skills.

Steiner Dolls

I made some of these great dolls when I was studying years ago and recently found them.  I can't remember how I made them but have found a great blog, see below.

I found the dolls great when working with children of all ages but particularly 3-5 year olds.  Because the dolls have no gender or expression they encourage children's creativity and inspire them to make the dolls who and what they want.  I often found children expressing their own emotions or concerns through using the dolls.  They are also really good to use for story telling (like puppets).

For more about Steiner philosophy see here.
http://steinereducation.edu.au/steiner-education/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Steiner


For instructions on making the dolls go to.
http://soozs.blogspot.com.au/search?q=steiner+dolls

Finger Paint

Get ready for some mess!  Finger paint is great fun for littlies but it is messy.  I started to use finger paint with my son at around 1 year old and he loved it.  I have a high chair with a removable tray so you can push it up to the table.  I taped paper to the table took off his clothes and let him go nuts.  Some children don't like the initial feeling of finger paint (or anything messy)  but give it a couple of attempts before you give up.  This is a recipe I made up.  I use baby shampoo, if they put it in their mouth it won't taste nice and will discourage them from eating it but shouldn't cause to much harm if they get it in their eyes.   If you are lucky you might even end up with a nice piece of art work!  Always supervise children closely with this activity. 


Recipe
3/4 cup of plain flour
1/4 cup of corn flour
2 tbsp of baby shampoo (or dishwashing liquid)
approx 1/2-3/4 cup of water.
4-5 drops of food colouring

Simply put all ingredients into a jug and mix together with a fork.  Add as much water as you like to get a desired consistency.  Then mix in food colouring until you get the colour you are after.

Finger paint is a great sensory and early art activity for children.  It also teaches them early science skills such as colour mixing. As children get older you can add different things to the paint and encourage them to experiment e.g., marbles (to roll around and make patterns), more soap suds, paint brushes, sponges.  Have Fun.