Need some cool ideas to get those little ones moving? Fun Family Activities Specialist, Dr. Jody Hironaka-Juteau, has ideas about how kids can clean up while getting rid of those dirty toy blues. The energetic preschoolers of Lynette Freeman’s in-home nursery school in Fresno were happy to help!
Dr Jody says one of the benefits your child receives in cleaning up their own toys is that they can see with his or her own eyes, the value of work as the toys gets clean and shiny. It’s a great way to combine a little physical activity with some group cooperation.
First, the youngsters gathered and enjoyed a craft activity with sponges. These squishy sponge balls are great for cleaning cars or even a game of catch on a scorching hot day. We cut the sponges, tied them together and began our car wash.
You will need three flat, rectangular sponges (Example: ½ by 2 ¾ by 4 ¼-inches)
Use new sponges. Be sure not to wet them ahead of time; they are easier to cut straight out of the package.
With a pen and a ruler, make five lines lengthwise on a sponge, about ½ - inch apart.
Use scissors to cut the sponge, using the lines as a guide, into six rods.
Repeat with the other two sponges.
Lay strips on top of each other in three layers.
Cinch them across the middle with a piece of string; knot it tightly. Fluff pieces out into a ball.
We lined the toys up, filled up a small kiddy pool with water, swished around a few drops of no-tear liquid soap and let the kids have at it. After the items were thoroughly washed and inspected, we handed each child a small towel to dry the toys.
To our surprise, a few of the children came up with their own “wet and wild” games like the sponge toss and the sponge ball hot potato. Another fantastic idea was a game the kids called over and under. We placed all the children in a straight line and each person passed the sponge to the next, placing the wet sponge over their head and then through their legs. The kids found each activity “dripping” with coolness.
Out of the blue, Dr. Jody had a great idea – why not let the kids wash her car! Unfortunately, it was time for lunch. (Shucks!)
So there you have it!A simple activity that gets the kids moving, out of the house using gross motor skills, lots of imagination, group participation and most of all spending quality time with mom and dad.
