[Guest_Strawberry_Lace_*]

At daycare my son learns how to do all sorts of crafty things and they teach him songs with the dances to go with it.

He tries to show me and get me to join in when were at home but I have no idea what he is doing. Ive asked the day care and they just say oh yeah its this song, like its common knowledge.

Ive not had much to do with kids ever until I have had my own so im a bit clueless to what kind of crafty/fun things we should be doing or what I should be teaching him to get him ready for school. There is mums at my mother group teaching their kids about colours and trying to get them to count. Should I be trying to teach him that at 2 years old?

How did you learn how to do all of this mummy type stuff?

[tiggywinkle]

I'm a big fan of play school for the crafty stuff. We sometimes watch it together and then go off and make whatever they've just done on the program - a painted fish, make French toast etc. I like that their craft stuff is realistic for that age group and fairly easy to do. Their songs are quite good too.

[Just-one-more]

Play school and story time at the library mostly.
But also from growing up in a large family and Google.

[sjm218]

I so know what you mean!!

DS goes to daycare and they help push me in certain directions. I tend to let DS do things with me and when he shows an interest I make a kid version.

So he loves helping me cook, so when he "helps" I teach him the names of the vegetables etc. we count the pieces and if I know a song related to what we are doing I sing, or sometimes I make songs up - talent is not necessary.

We read books a lot and they have age guides which helps with the level.

DS is 2 1/2 and he can count to 10, knows most of his colours and has a very large vocabulary. He loves sport so we have lots of sport related toys and we play and teach him the terminology. I am constantly surprised at what he takes in.

I didn't really learn how to do this, but I am always teaching as we go about a normal day if that makes sense.

[Pinky101]

DD 22 months is learning colours at daycare through normal play ie when they are drawing they talk about the colours they are using etc. At home if she says "car" or something, we would say "red car". She seems to be picking up a few colours like that.

For songs, try searching on YouTube. There seems to be a version of everything on there. We also have a couple of Playschool nursery rhyme books which have helped a lot.

I also didn't have anything to do with kids before DD, so I totally know where you're coming from. EB also has pinned threads on things to do with toddlers, including craft ideas. We don't do painting or play dough at home, though. Too messy!

[MrsPotatoHead]

I just go from what I can remember doing as a child the songs we sung and things I enjoyed doing, also what friends are doing with their kids.

At 2 you can start with basic numbers and colours, pointing out that he is wearing a red shirt that day, counting books as you put them away etc.

There is no harm in buying a childrens cd and listening and dancing to it with him as much as you can handle.

[mum201]

rhyme time at your local library will help with the songs and dances. i also watch a lot of wiggles dvds. also use your imagination e.g. if you get a box, paint and some paper plates it can make a pretty cool car. when you find out the name of the song from day care you tube it, you can guarantee that some bored mum has you tubed herself doing it with actions!!!

[charlottesmum04]

Or if you want something more structured then use what alot of family daycare educators use..

smarty arty

just subscribe and they will send you a differently themed craft pack every month full of activities along with instructions.

As for the songs a simple iTunes download of a kids cd played over and over again will have you singing the same songs as daycare does in your sleep.

[Jenflea]

I had a similar problem when I started going to Giggle and Wiggle at the local library. (Their 0 to 2 weekly thing). The songs they sing have different lyrics these days and they seemed to expect you to know them.
I've given feedback(they do surveys sometimes) that it might be a good idea to give a booklet out with the songs in it, but so far nothing. Maybe it's an age thing as well, I'm in my (ugh) late 30's and it seems most Mum's there are early 20's.
Play dough and paint I can do fine though

[creepersgonnacre...]

I still remember the songs from when I was kid as I used to love playschool-I had a ball at the live show

Oh and what is with changing songs?

As for craft, even that huggies website or kidspot has some good ideas.