Ideas For That Last 45 Minutes.....

[MyAngels]

I have a couple of smaller size portable sensory bins that I use at this time. It's easy to change up the contents to keep their interest.

[daycare]

I do an end of the day circle time. We sing read and dance. When I say dancing it's not out of control craziness. It's stuff like wheels on the bus.

As I'm doing it parents are picking up. We do this about 15 min. The. Move on to individual rugs to read. 15 min

I do a puppet show, kids love this. Not every day though. They do it on their own some days. About 15 minutes

I know when most of my kids are going home, so it's only about 20-30 min of afternoon activities.

Coloring at a table is good for those who can.

[lovemykidstoo]

I have a couple of smaller size portable sensory bins that I use at this time. It's easy to change up the contents to keep their interest.

Can I ask you what you put in yours and for what ages? Thanks

[MyAngels]

Can I ask you what you put in yours and for what ages? Thanks

I use a couple of different fillers - rice, beans, popcorn so far.

Right now I have summer/beach things in them: Sea shells, starfish, little umbrellas, small beach balls, sand shovels, small pails, a couple of small pieces of material that are beach towels.

I usually do holiday themed ones for various holidays.

Right now I'm picking up things to make a back-to-school set. So far I've got some little chalkboards, chalk, erasers, pencils, and magnetic numbers.

My 2 year and up kids usually are most interested in using these, but it wouldn't be difficult to make something for younger kids, too.

[cheerfuldom]

I use a couple of different fillers - rice, beans, popcorn so far.

Right now I have summer/beach things in them: Sea shells, starfish, little umbrellas, small beach balls, sand shovels, small pails, a couple of small pieces of material that are beach towels.

I usually do holiday themed ones for various holidays.

Right now I'm picking up things to make a back-to-school set. So far I've got some little chalkboards, chalk, erasers, pencils, and magnetic numbers.

My 2 year and up kids usually are most interested in using these, but it wouldn't be difficult to make something for younger kids, too.

I am working on an assortment of sensory bins but I only use them when I can directly supervise very closely. I have a 15 month old that would eat everything in sight as well as my special needs girl that cannot be left unsupervised at all at this point.....so even walking away from the table to answer the door, would mean that the sensory bin would not be a good option for her.

Really I do have to alter many small things throughout the day for this one child but I just cant bear to term her....I have had her for three years. She recently started part time specialized preschool and I do think that will help assist in working out some of these issues with her, plus give me a break from all the "extra" that comes as part of her care.

[Meyou]

This is a weird one but I swear by it for babies. They LOVE barrel of monkeys. Any baby will play with those monkeys from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the baby. I have 3 sets because I use them that much for keeping them busy. Mostly before meals here.

Other (non messy) things my babies like at the table are:

color wonder markers and paper (the paper sticks to the table)
Sensory bottles
busy bags (filled with rice and little objects)
slinkies (another weird one but OMG they love them)
play phones (I have several with no batteries that they "use" at the table)