We're spending the week reviewing basic preschool concepts- letter names and sounds, shapes, and numbers. This morning we did a simple toothpick activity to practice making shapes, reviewing their names, and counting the number of sides.
I drew some basic shapes onto cardstock (hopefully I will get on the ball and laminate them before they get destroyed)- triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, etc.
Then I broke out our flat toothpicks (not round ones) and we used them to build the shapes drawn on the cards. The flat toothpicks move less because they aren't round 🙂
It was a great finger exercise to pick them up and place them in the right spot. As we built the shapes, we talked about the number of sides each shape has and we talked about each shape's name.
After you're done with each shape, you can go on a SHAPE HUNT to find an object in the room (or house) that has that same shape. We love any activity that involves a hunt.
Simple and quick. Loved it!
Sometimes people say things to me like, "I don't have time to do crafty things with my kids." This one is for you guys. No in depth artistic talent needed and it is super quick to prep. This might be another "go to" activity when it is time for me to make dinner.
Next up, I'm going to be a little bit more creative (or have my son be creative) and I'm/we're going to draw pictures of some of his favorite objects (volcanoes, rockets, etc.)... and then have him re-create them using toothpicks.
What are any of your other favorite creative ways to use toothpicks? We have tons to use and reuse!
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