I Need Ideas!!

[Lianne]

I try to use a lot of recyclable materials for crafts. I have a young group like you and we've painted cans then glued streamers from them and hung them up outside. We've painted rocks. We've used the cardboard from cereal and cracker boxes to finger paint on. When I run out of paint, I throw some flour and water and food colouring together to make paint. I put different materials for gluing on the table like sandpaper, bits or ribbon or string, cut up greeting cards, old felt, bread tags and let the kids go nuts. I also ask for donations of reusable items and send home a list of what we're looking for. Sometimes I include some purchased supplies like pompom, construction paper, glue, etc but stress in the note that the donation of such items is voluntary and not expected. My experience is that parents like donating things, recyclables at least, because they feel like they're participating in their child's care.

[slpender]

My older infant and toddlers love anything they can dump or bang. I sent a letter home to parents asking them to save item such as bottle cap from milk and juice contains baby puff containers and lids baby food containers glass baby food lids paper towel tubes etc. you can make all kinds of things with these. Right now I have puff containers with holes in them so the kids can drop the milk lids in over and over. I have taped the paper rolls to the eg of a table and the kids drop balls or other object into the tubes.

Colored ice cubes
Baby bubble bath in water table
Car wash using small toy cars in the water table or large outside ride on toys
Dish washing using play dishes
Bowling using water or soda bottle
Painting w mega blocks
Homemade playdough
Making forts or tunnels using blanket and sheet draped over tables


I know I have a list of a lot more low budget ideas just need to find them I will pm them to you

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

Make a list for parents of things too. Ask them all to save their cereal boxes etc. Tape them shut and have a building day!