Help toddlers recognize shapes while refining their basic motor skills with this winter holiday project. Draw the outline of a Christmas tree before drawing various simple shapes, such as squares and circles, inside of the tree's outline. Below the tree, draw the same shapes as you have traced inside of the tree. Allow toddlers to use safety scissors and cut out the shapes at the bottom of the page before gluing them into the matching shape outline inside of the tree. Kids may also enjoy coloring in the shapes to make them look like ornaments for the tree.
Celebrate the United States' independence by teaching your toddler about the flag. Present children with a black and white outline of the U.S. flag, which can be printed via an online source or drawn by hand. Talk about the symbolism of the lines, stars and colors on the flag and how to properly handle a real flag. Allow kids to get creative by looking at a picture of the flag and use crayons to color in their outline. Add an element of fun by providing star stickers to place in the appropriate area of their flag outline.
Encourage your infant to become more aware of their limbs and rhythmic movement through Christmas carol "finger plays." Select one of your favorite Christmas carols and sing it to your infant while using your hands to gently assist the baby in moving his legs or arms along with the song. You may also use a song about any other holiday, or make up your own tune to sing along to.
Stimulate your baby's senses during Easter celebrations by using an infant-safe, stuffed Easter bunny toy to play peek-a-book with your baby. Hide the toy under a blanket or behind your back and reveal it to the child repeatedly and with enthusiastic excitement. Allow the baby to touch and feel the texture of the stuffed animal's fur to become better acquainted with sensory recognition of objects.