Since Christmas, I’ve been wanting to introduce some fun learning activities into David’s normal routine. Not in a very structured way, but just making it a point to do one or two learning activities a day, introducing him to colors, numbers, shapes and the alphabet, little bit by little bit.

I really enjoy thinking up these activities, mostly adapted from other mummy bloggers or books I’ve read. There are lots of ideas floating around waiting to happen, but something that we’ve actually started on for the past two weeks is his salad bowl.

Was inspired to make him a salad from colored foam that I saw on a website, which I can’t remember now. :b I chose ham (red), cheese (yellow) and leafy veggies (green). You can get colored A4 foam sheets from Popular. Just cut them up into pieces that sort of resemble the actual ingredient and you’re set to go!

First I let him just mess around with all the pieces in a huge bowl. He liked feeling the foam and trying to tear it (without success, heh heh) or bend it. Then I taught him to toss, which was a tad messy, but fun! After that his ‘job’ is to sort out all the pieces into three cups (from Ikea) which are pink, yellow and green. He’s still getting the hang of this, so I help him by pointing to the right cup if he got it wrong. Every time he puts a piece in the correctly colored cup, we both clap enthusiastically. Yes, I believe in self-praise! Hee…

Later on, I’m hoping I can use these same pieces to introduce counting to him. Like “please put 5 pieces of cheese into this bowl”, or something to that effect… I’d also like to bring him to the different types of farms – pig, cow, hydroponics – to see how the food got into his bowl. When he’s a bit older, of course…

Pics akan datang…

Now I’m trying to think of ways to introduce him to shapes. After a while, the hubby and I have accepted that the boy does NOT like shape sorters. He just doesn’t get why he has to put all the shapes back INTO the box. I think it’s because we taught him to keep his toys after he plays, so he thinks it’s ridiculous to have a toy that only involves keeping (?!?!) Haha!

So instead of forcing him to enjoy his shape sorter toy, I’ve decided to try a different tack. This morning, I cut a huge circle to paste on his cupboard, and throughout the day, I have been pointing out different circle objects to him around the house, like the plate, the clock, his ball etc. This week will be ‘circle week’, next week ‘square week’, and … we’ll see how it goes…

It’s encouraging to see that he does pay attention every time I tell him something is a circle. Hopefully, over time, he will understand the concept and the word. As for the motor skills aspect of the shape sorter toy, well from watching him at his toy kitchen and with his other various toys, I’m pretty sure he’s doing ok in that arena… :b

Would love to hear if any of you mummies have any tips for some other fun learning activities I can do with my almost 16 month old!