Toddler bored with toys/explored the house -any montessori activity suggestions?

[Canadian_Mom]

Very cool thread, interesting ideas.  I never thought that DS could start "cooking" at this age, but I guess I was wrong   I got him to "help" with cooking today by putting a small amount of water in a big bowl and giving him a wooden spoon to "mix" while I mixed my bowl (start with small steps) and it worked a little too good.  He gave a little temper tantrum when I tried to take him over to his chair for supper!!  They only way I got him to eat was to let him use the wooden spoon as his spoon for the meal    I was wondering what everyone uses to get their LOs up the the counter to "help".  I used a kitchen chair and DS just stood on it, but I had an afterthought that I have been teaching him that we don't stand on chairs...any other ideas? or just hope that it doesn't backfire??  Going to check out all of the websites, I am getting pretty excited over here!

[Peek-a-boo]

We stand on chairs here.   All the time really, lol.

[deb]

There is a pricey wooden contraption that is fantastic for smaller kids. Bigger than a stepstool....oooh, found a linky! http://www.mylearningtower.com/  I know there's no way we could ever afford one but if you have a handyman (or handywoman! ) friend maybe you could rig up something with the salient features.

If you're worried about the chair-standing (we do to a point but we aren't strict about it - but our dining chairs fold up so we have to tell the girls "not THESE chairs!"), an you get one that's the right height just for counter work?

We also got stepstools in different heights so both girls could do stuff at the counter, and oh, kids can mix thing and do other food prep work seated at the dining table as well. I've been know to bring what I'm working on to the table and cut veg there while the girls do some other job or even just watch and we can talk and I can show them how this and that works.

[First Time Mom]

As an alternative, we mix flour with water and food colouring, it's a different texture and won't hurt them if they taste it (but won't like it enough to eat more past the first taste).

We just found the most amazing crayons- they are roll up so they don't break like the typical crayon, and they have erasers on the ends!! Totally erase off everything!

Because I have a 5 year old we do a lot of "dance parties" here , ds LOVES to dance around!

When I'm in the kitchen we play "please bring me the...". I pick all sorts of items and it's time consuming for him. If I'm doing something complicated in the kitchen and I need undistracted time Gray will sit in his high chair with paper and crayons. He'll sit for a good 15 minutes which is often longer than what I need.

[Jiinx]

that is a neat contraption. Wish I knew some handy wo/men!

My daughter likes to cut and sweep and help me around the house but what kinds of knife did you guys use for cutting as they got older?

Also, say I wanted help to make cookies - how do you persuade them to not taste the batter? I was reading in Montessori that eating during the process should be discouraged and it's best that they learn to eat when everything is ready. Easier said than done - I myself love eating while cutting fruit/grating cheese! hehe

[teilvnav]

That is a cool stool! Ours is from Ikea, and cost $20; it is made of wood and has two steps (the top one is wide like a platform). It puts Nathan at chest height with the counter, so it is perfect for helping and watching.

Sara, one of Nathan's little toddler cutlery sets came with a 'knife' and that is what we use for him to help cut things. It is basically a very blunt butterknife with a good sized handle. It works with playdough, as well, or just goofing around with cookie dough. Let me know if you find anything that works to stop the tasting; I have to keep an eagle eye on Nathan so he doesn't grab handfuls. Not a huge deal when it is cookies (although still not a good idea), but when it is meat it is terrible! We made meatballs together the other day and I eventually just put him down and deal with the tantrum. He wouldn't stop trying to sneak bites.

[Love, laughter, & PJs]

He wouldn't stop trying to sneak bites.

I know I am a vegetarian but even so - gross!!! Kids are too much. 

I'm going to check Ikea for a wooden stool, Amy.  That sounds perfect.

[mac20]

following along too x

[Jiinx]

Thanks Amy! Oh my..sorry about the tasting of ground meat Ick..We were cutting broccolli for a pasta dish later on and she was tasting it while she "cut". I don't think reasoning will work at this age - she wants the sharp knife I cut with..not a boring dull one I supplied her with.

I'll check out the stool as well. I just put everything on the floor atm..cutting board, bowl to put cut veggies in..

[teilvnav]

I know! It is so gross, and potentially dangerous. He is too young to understand yet of course, and thought that I was just being mean. Oh well, he got over it. (And he didn't actually get any in there, don't worry.)

My IL's are getting Nathan a little table and chairs for Christmas, which is awesome. I think that he will love doing stuff at his own little table.

[Jiinx]

oh yes!!!
I need get that too...we don't quite have room at the moment so I'm not sure what to get rid of...hmm

but yes, a small table and chair is a definite must have.

[deb]

Our kitchen is small but by now we're all used to looking for the stepstool and kicking it out of the way if it's in front of something we want to open.

[twogirlsmommy]

We got dd a small table and chair from ikea! I cannot wait for her to see it christmas morning because she is obsessed with our dinning room chairs and sitting like big girl to do things

[teilvnav]

Here are a few pictures of Nathan playing with his dish of dried lentils, peas, and beans this week. He is standing on his trusty stool.

[Jiinx]

wow awesome pics

I need to go to ikea.