I shared previously that I will be attempting to plan activities for Little Lion this year based on a monthly theme. May’s theme is Little Critters. These activities are intended for Little Lion, who will be 14 months old, but they could easily be adapted for an older or younger child. Please consider your child’s current development when planning activities for him/her since you know your baby best.

Discovery Baskets

Bug Basket – This basket is filled with several rubber critters and a magnifying glass.

Green Basket – This basket is filled with items from around the house that are green.

Art/Sensory Activities

1. Fly Swatter Painting – This looks like so much fun!

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2. Painting with Bugs – This will make use of the bugs from our discovery basket in another way.

3. Play Doh Bugs – This will probably be more fun for me than for LL, but he will enjoy squishing the dough and hopefully try pushing the pipe cleaners into the dough. I will use my simple play doh recipe for this one.

Songs/Videos

1. Baby Einstein – Neighborhood Animals – I don’t know what it is about these videos, but Little Lion is absolutely obsessed with anything Baby Einstein. We still try to limit his screen time to no more than 15 minutes a day (sometimes less, very rarely more), but if he is having a very fussy afternoon sometimes he just needs a little rest time and these work wonderfully. I am not under any illusions that they are making him “smarter” (any more than Grey’s Anatomy makes me “smarter” haha) but man does he love them.

2. Icky Insects – This song is awfully catchy…I can see it getting very stuck in my head. But I love that it shows real footage (rather than cartoon illustrations).

3. PBS Parents’ Picks – Bugs and Insects – I haven’t watched all these videos, but I came across this list while searching and thought I would share. Bug related cartoon clips for the older toddler crowd.

Outside Activities/Adventures

1. Look for bugs! Take the time while you are outside to find bugs in their natural environment. Talk about how they move, how many legs they have, what color they are, etc.

2. Visit a garden (if you don’t have your own). Look for butterflies and other critters that may make themselves at home here. While you are there, point out the plants that are growing. If any of them have edibles that are ready to pick, taste some (with permission of course, if this garden isn’t your own).