Thursday, June 14, 2012

Where We Put Pickup Trucks to Good Use

Y'all know that I like doing "school" type activities with The Sheriff. For one, I think he's pretty dang smart and picks up on concepts pretty quickly, so why not? Then there's that teacher part of me that enjoys putting my resources and creativity to an instructive use, and we all know that Pinterest is one of the best resources we've got around today, especially for all things toddler. 

I came across this activity and thought it would be perfect. W finds entertainment in anything that is transportation related, and he's loving numbers these days. 



As it turns out though, this activity was part of a larger lesson plan available for purchase I believe. Well, I wasn't buying anything, so I turned to Images looking for the perfect truck silhouette. I never found such an image, but I was directed to this site where I learned how to draw one myself. 



Not so bad, if I do say so myself. 

But I needed multiple trucks and wasn't headed out to make copies or spend time drawing again, so The Sheriff and I made quick work of the 3 in 1 printer. 

He was amazed when truck pictures kept coming out. 


Toddler Mom Note-- Apparently making copies and shredding paper are stellar time fillers. Maybe I should look into some sort of work from home career.



After coloring our trucks (I obviously did the one below. W had his own page and was allowed to use markers. I can only imagine what Honest Toddler thinks about markers.)




We didn't make it through many rounds. I'd say that the copy machine and markers took it out of him. The boy put in a full morning.

(Updated: We took them out again Tuesday and he counted blocks for every truck, so I did what any blogging mom would do and IG-ed whatever trucks I could fit on my screen. Success!)



(If you are interested in the full-sized truck, let me know and I can send it your way.)

7 comments:

Danielle said...

What a great activity! When did you start introducing organized activities like this? Also, where did you find the wooden blocks? I've been looking around and haven't found much.

Lindsey said...

I LOVE THIS! Looks like a great activity for us, too! Nice drawing, btw. Oh, and for the record, M isn't a big fan of crayons. He is definitely a marker man. Thanks for sharing this. The only time I spend on Pinterest is what I see on your blog. :)

Natalie said...

How fun! W loves trucks and this is an easy way for him to learn at the same time.

Erin said...

You are such a creative, crafty mama. We're you a teacher before having W? I want to say you were but I honestly don't remember. If you weren't, clearly you should have been! I'm going to have t pin this activity and store it away for a few more months :) keep the ideas coming!

Unknown said...

Umm my truck would NEVER look like that. Great idea mama!

Happiness Is... said...

1) Do you know that any time I laugh out loud my husband says "what does honest toddler" think?

2) I have seen this on Pinterest and applaud you for the follow through!

3) Thatcher LOVES my copy machine and whenever he comes into the office we say that he is "doing business" - ha!

Anonymous said...

Wow you are so creative!! Way to incorporate so much of fine motor skills and academics all in one activity. You do such a great job!! I would suck as a SAHM. I'd be like here watch baby Einstein lol