Tharin built a beautiful shelf in our schoolroom and I have been filling it up with work for the kids. As I observe Ignatius and what he is drawn to at almost two years old, I thought I would write up a quick blog post sharing his favourites.
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To be fair, before we begin, most of Ignatius' day is not spent working with materials from the shelf. At this age, he is far more busy developing practical life skills in the kitchen and playing with random found items from around the house.
He is also really in a transportation schema, and is constantly moving things around, as well as building his gross motor skills with maximum effort play.
When we do choose work, he goes for:
This Doron Layeled puzzle has been a favourite for all of my kids at this age, but unfortunately, even after scouring the internet for ages, I cannot find one I am equally happy with, and Doron Layeled doesn't make it anymore.
A few that seem like they may fulfill the same kind of interest: Hape Color and Shape Wooden Block Sorter | Coogam Beehive Colour Game
You could also definitely diy this really beautifully if you're into making things: Diy Colour Match
Another favourite is this 3D Tic Tac Toe game I picked up once upon a time at a thrift store. This work is a bit more challenging than a regular stacking tower, and the perfect next level for Ignatius to practice a more controlled fine motor grip.
Purchase a similiar 3D Tic Tac Toe game here.
I also think these would hold similiar interest: Haba Pallette of Pegs | Hape Counting Stacker
Stringing is definitely a popular toddler work, and we have quite a few different options for this skill. However, I find this one really calls to the children.
Unfortunately, I thrifted this one, as well, and I can't seem to find it online.
One of my favourite aspects of this stringing material is that the string has a wooden end, simliar to the one linked below, making it a great first stringing work for a younger child: Hape String Shapes
Absolutely every day, Ignatius uses some variety of our instrument collection. Pictured here are a few fun favorites.
You can also get your collection started with this great-looking set: Musical Instrument Set
And I just could not post a round up of Ignatius' favourite materials without mentioning Schleich animals. These are by far the thing he gravitates toward most. He loves standing them, grouping them, lining them up, transporting them, bringing them in the bath, using them with play dough, dumping them.
They're also great for developing language, sorting, matching. He can match same to same, babies to parents, and eventually categorize them to habitat or even continent.
Curious what else my kids are up to and how we present work? Read about work for a three year old | our favourite crafting supplies| work for a three-year-old and eighteen-month-old | how to set up a Montessori-style shelf | building better play habits | how to help your child learn to concentrate
Thank you for reading! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. I would also love to hear any suggestions for posts you would like me to write about. And if you are interested in following along in our daily adventures, follow us on Instagram where I post daily.
God bless,
Olivia Fischer
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