Counting Presents ~ Simply Made

During the month of December, most tots are fascinated with the presents that start appearing under the Christmas tree. Little ones find the mystery packages almost too much to resist, but with this activity, they don't have to be off limits.

Materials:

• Miniature Christmas Tree (ours is less than a foot high and was purchased for a $1)
• Miniature Christmas Presents or small jewelry boxes (The mini presents are ornaments with the string cut off)
• White Board & Marker or Number Cards (optional)

Directions:

Play a fun counting game with your tot. Depending on your tot's skill level, you could place gifts under the tree for them to count. Then, they could write the number on the white board. Or, have your tot pull a number card and place the correct number of mini presents under the tree.

At our house, we are focusing on simple addition, so we practiced with our presents. My little guy had fun choosing who would get the presents in our number stories.

   For the younger tots, you could have them sort the presents by color or make a simple pattern.

Hopefully this will give your tot a chance to play with presents, without unwrapping the real ones under your tree!

Merry Christmas!

Now I Know My ABCs ~ Letter Y

All printables for this unit can be downloaded for free on my website, Animal ABCs.

Letter Y ~ Yak

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Yy Yak in Action…

  

See more on my blog ~ Letter Y Tot School

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More Letter Yy Fun…

• Letter Y ~ Yak Craft
• Letter y ~ yardstick craft
• Color by Number ~ Y
• Yy Letter Maze
• Tot School Printables: Yy is for Yo-yo
• Letter of the Week: Yy is for Yarn 
• Yy is for Yellow {from Spell Outloud}
• Letter Yy Craft Collection {from The Attached Mama}
• Raising Rock Stars Preschool: Letter Yy

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Did you miss…

• Letter A ~ Alligator {Letter A on my blog in action}
• Letter B ~ Bear {Letter B on my blog in action}
• Letter C ~ Caterpillar {Letter C on my blog in action}
• Letter D ~ Dolphin {Letter D on my blog in action}
• Letter E ~ Elephant {Letter E on my blog in action}
• Letter F ~ Frog {Letter F on my blog in action}
• Letter G ~ Gorilla {Letter G on my blog}
• Letter H ~ Hippo {Letter H on my blog}
• Letter I ~ Iguana {Letter I on my blog}
• Letter J ~ Jellyfish {Letter J on my blog}
• Letter K ~ Koala {Letter K on my blog}
• Letter L ~ Llama {Letter L on my blog}
• Letter M ~ Mouse {Letter M on my blog}
• Letter N ~ Newt {Letter N on my blog}
• Letter O ~ Octopus {Letter O on my blog}
• Letter P ~ Pig {Letter P on my blog}
• Letter Q ~ Quail {Letter Q on my blog}
• Letter R ~ Raccoon {Letter R on my blog}
• Letter S ~ Squirrel {Letter S on my blog}
• Letter T ~ Tiger {Letter T on my blog}
• Letter U ~ Umbrella Bird {Letter U on my blog}
• Letter V ~ Vulture {Letter V on my blog}
• Letter W ~ Walrus {Letter W on my blog}
• Letter X ~ X-ray Fish {Letter X on my blog}

Christmas Sensory Bin ~ What's in the Bin?

Here is a fun Christmas bin for you and your tot to explore:

 

My two were SUPER excited to dive into this bin! Again, I kept things simple and it was well worth it. They loved it. I added candy canes (that we have no intention of eating) star ornaments, and they each had a few small plastic tubs, a scoop and a spoon. And shaving cream, of course!

 

If I would have had more shaving cream I would have added it. This was 2 and a half cans and didn't fill the tub much. But they didn't care and it would have probably required swim suits and a fire hose to clean up. :-)

 

We've played with shaving cream on many occasions, just never in this large of capacity. She was a bit ....umm... unexcited to get it her hands a first. She asked me for a napkin to wipe it off! But, it really didn't take more than a few minuets and she was all.in.

 

 

They stirred and stirred. They scooped. They dug. They played hide and seek with the stars trying to find the most. And they just played.

 

 

It surprised me she played much longer than Aaron. Very serious, focused, content play.

 

 

I hope you have a very, Merry CHRISTmas and can enjoy some messy sensory play this season!

 

 

 

What's in the Tub? is a monthly feature that focuses on a fun sensory tub ideas to go along with the monthly theme at Totally Tots. Click here to see the past sensory tub ideas.

Mommy Made Printables ~ Christmas

We are excited to share some CHRISTMAS printables for you to use with your tots as you explore together!

Mr Willoby’s Christmas Tree Pack{from Homeschool Creations}

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Christmas Printables    {from 1+1+1=1}

 

   

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J is for Jesus     {from Confessions of a Homeschooler}

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Christmas Packs {from 2 Teaching Mommies}

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Christmas Printables

{from All our Days}

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Christmas Packs {from 3 Dinosaurs}

  

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More ideas here on my Christmas Theme Pinterest Board!

Do you have any free CHRISTMAS printables {free} YOU have created {and share}? If so, leave a link to your blog post in the comments below!

Christmas Crafts for Kids - Crafty Corner

Bethlehem Toilet Paper Roll Craft from Love and Lollipops

Truth in the Tinsel Egg Carton Bethlehem Craft on Mama Jenn

Clay Nativity Craft from Confessions of a Homeschooler

Printable Nativity Craft on Mama Jenn

Christmas Manger Ornament from The Fantastic Five

Shampoo Bottle Wise Men from No Time for Flash Cards

Craft Stick Christmas Tree from Mama Jenn

Paper Plate Christmas Tree from Naturally Educational

Christmas Tree Handprint Craft from The Ramblings & Adventures of a S.A.H.M.

Edible Christmas Trees from Confessions of a Homeschooler

Christmas Shape Tree from No Time for Flash Cards

Bubble Wrap Advent Calendar from The Fantastic Five

Upcycled {Wipe Lid} Advent Calendar Craft from No Time for Flash Cards

Beaded Wreath Ornament from Naturally Educational

Truth in the Tinsel Angel Ornament on Mama Jenn

Flower Angel Ornament from The Fantastic Five

Angel Handprint & Shape Craft from The Ramblings & Adventures of a S.A.H.M.

Lifesaver Candy Cane Ornament from Mama Jenn

Soft and Fluffy Candy Cane from No Time for Flash Cards

Bottle Top Snowmen from Love & Lollipops

Handprint Snowman Ornament from Confessions of a Homeschooler

Cotton Ball Snowman Craft from Confessions of a Homeschooler

Pom Pom Snowmen from Love & Lollipops

Snowman in a Jar Craft from Mama Jenn

Snowflake Craft from Confessions of a Homeschooler

Milk Bottle Santa from Love & Lollipops

Clothespin Reindeer Craft from Mama Jenn

12 Days of Christmas Service from Dresses n Messes

Sponge Painted Christmas Lights from No Time for Flashcards

Do you share tot-friendly crafts on your blog? If so, please read here first and then email me (JennAtTotallyTots@gmail (dot) com)! I would love to add you to the "search" list for future posts! Do you have a CHRISTMAS themed craft on your blog that is not already linked here? Please feel free to share your craft by leaving the link to it in a comment!