Playful Learning, Learningful Play: Part II

So it turns out, the kids don't need a whole lot of time to get the idea.  After some time off from sensory play due to travel, we got back to it.  And they are better at it!  Spills still happen of course, but they aren't the on-purpose-heave-hos that were the norm last go 'round.  They are better at manipulating different materials and containers (so much so that I even let them play with small aquarium rocks--check the video clip below).  Caden is learning to fasten and unfasten the tops onto all our containers and Addison can sort different kinds of pasta with some assistance.  Also, they're asking to play with different materials.    Sometimes naming the items most frequently used (beans and pasta), other times they just point and grunt emphatically.  But they ask!  I'd call that progress and a great sign that we are learning through meaningful play!  I am so encouraged that I've been adding new items to our repertoire.  

• I gave them Cheerios on a string for snack the other day.   Just to see what they would do.  There were several calls for "clean up on the twin aisle" but it sure was gratifying to see them focusing and using fine motor skills to get what they wanted.  
• I bought a felt board w/ beach scene for 40% off.  It was for ages 3 and up due to small parts but they're not going to play with much that's not monitored at this age so I went for it.  And they LUV it.  I'm totally going to buy some felt next time it's on sale and make my own scenes/items.  Check the video below and really listen.  Amazing!
• My old overhead transparency pattern blocks make for good fun.  And a neat way to practice some shapes.  Just a few hours ago Caden took his finger, traced his plate rim and then said, "ircle!" at dinner.  

Final note:  We are not going to be through with practicing routines and procedures for a long time.  Between the drafting and publishing of this piece I had to remove Caden from the Epsom salt/light panel three times (notice the intentional pouring outside the box) and he was noooooooooot happy.  This is really the first time I've had to do that, so maybe it will be a quick lesson.  What can I say, the boy loves to pour!