After talking about line drying clothes I thought I would share one of the fun things I do with Jack. While hanging clothes up one day he asks "what you making mommy?" (his question for anything I am doing) After explaining to him what I was doing, he wanted to help. I decided to make him his own clothesline at his level so he could help mommy.
I strung up a small line, and filled a basket with fabric scraps and clothespins.
I started out by showing him how to open a clothespin. Then I showed him how to clip the fabric to the line.
He was a little confused at first. But soon figured out how to work the clothespins.
This activity required a lot of concentration!
He hung up about five or six pieces before getting tired. He ran around the yard and played for a while before coming back to it. I gave him a few of his own socks this time to practice hanging. This required a bit more hand-eye coordination since the socks were smaller, and he could not just lay them across the line and then clip, like he had been doing with the fabric.
This really seemed to be hard work for him. I mean that in a good way. It was great hand-eye coordination practice and required a lot of concentration. It is not something that he plays with for an extended period of time, but he does like to play with it while I am hanging our clothes out.
So give it a try...it is wonderful fine motor practice for you little one, plus it is fun pretend play!
I love this! I think Avalynn will love it too. You are so creative Lorissa. I pretty much stock your blog for your new ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim! You could even add a small "wash tub" with some water and doll clothes for her to play wash then hang on the line :-)
Deletewhat a cool idea..may have to try that with my grandson...he likes to help...hes 22 months old
ReplyDeleteHope he enjoys it! It may take him a bit to figure out the clothespins, but it is great fine motor practice!
DeleteThese pictures are great! Now that my little one is (finally) standing, I will have to put this on our to-do list of outdoor activities. He just loves doing what the grown-ups are doing, so this fits right in! Thanks for sharing this post on The Weekly Kid's Co-op!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina! My little ones love doing "grown up" things too. :-)
DeleteI love this idea! It's so valuable to get the little ones involved in real work and what we are doing. Thanks for linking up to the Weekly Kid's Co-Op.
ReplyDeleteI plan to feature your post tomorrow on my Kid's Co-op post. I'm featuring posts that show how to get moving and learning. Thanks, Robin @Sweet Tea Classroom
ReplyDeleteWow thanks Robin!
DeleteHi Lorissa! I've done this with my class a few time and it's always a big hit. It's hilarious that they think the "old" way of doing things is "fun":) Thanks for reminding me renewing ideas is just as beneficial as new innovative ones.
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