06.03 Weekly Message

Hi mama,

If you got that Lizzie McGuire reference, you are my people.

Well, Kate Sanders.

I am a proud outfit repeater! And, there's another thing I am not ashamed to repeat: activities.

Despite what Instagram might lead us to believe, we don’t need to come up with groundbreaking activities every single day. In fact, repeating activities is a great opportunity to reinforce skills and encourage interests.

I repeat activities ALL the time. This is how I do it.

• Focus on skills: I focus on the skills Emi is working on, such as inserting objects, pouring, transferring, etc. I offer the same activity until she loses interest. Later, I can reintroduce the same activity with a higher level of difficulty.

• Open-ended fun: I offer open-ended activities that require minimal setup, like a music station, art corner, or mini library. They are always available for Emi to explore.

• Evergreen material: I have a repertoire of activities in 7 different categories that are easy to set up and what I like to call “evergreen”. At the end of this email you will find some examples.

• Movement: I have a dedicated area for my little one to move, creating “yes spaces” where our little ones can move freely is a great way to keep them active and engaged. If you live in an apartment like me, check out these options.

And don’t forget to observe your little one, if they show interest in something offer them something similar so they can continue to explore their interest. Once they are ready to move on they will let you know.

Let’s make this week a joyful one!

EAT: I’m a one-pot recipe kind of gal, here’s a classic chicken and rice Puerto Rican dish that is packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup.
*this recipe is not spicy so it works for kids as well.

HOME: If you're searching for Montessori-aligned art crafted with natural materials, check out this option. Since Emi loves birds, we'll be considering this print!

PLAY: I often mention parallel play, and coloring during this time is a favorite of mine. It allows Emi to see me focus on a task and be creative. When she's interested, I use it as a language opportunity and talk about shapes and colors. Here’s a free Flower Coloring Book you can enjoy with your little one. Or check out this minimalist art coloring book.

Father’s Day is coming up!

What? Wasn’t Mother’s Day yesterday?

Well, if you are stuck for ideas, here are a few to consider:

• You can always go with the classic route and get Dad a grill.

• If you've already exhausted that option, I hear all the cool dads want this cooler.

• And if all else fails, you can go the sentimental route and get him a book or something with meaning.

Here are 7 activities you can repeat guilt-free:

MOVEMENT: We've been trying out a new activity called "Animal Walks," and it's a blast! You can start with simple animal walks and gradually increase the complexity based on your child's motor skills. Emi loves doing a dog, and a rooster, and we are working the bunny hop. 

SENSORY: Sorting games are fantastic to repeat because they encourage your child to sort objects by color, shape, or size, which helps with cognitive development and fine motor skills. If your little one isn't quite ready to sort, start with just one set and gradually increase the complexity. You can use items you already have around the house or invest in a versatile set that can be used for colors, shapes, and later on, as a fun fishing game.
(Check out the sorting activity here)

MUSIC: Emi and I dance every day and it brings us so much joy! It's not just fun; it also helps develop motor skills, boosts mood, and strengthens our bond. Plus, it's a sneaky way to burn off energy and get some exercise.

LANGUAGE: Ah, books! Talk about guilt-free repetition! If you have access to a library, you have endless material. And if you find yourself reading the same book over and over again, don't worry, mama! That's a good sign! Your little one is curious and trying to make sense of the story, acquiring new skills through repetition. I’m on my 159th reading of this book, and that’s ok.

MINDFULNESS: Daily affirmations are a fantastic way to start your day with positivity and purpose. By repeating positive statements each morning, you can set a hopeful tone for the day ahead, boost your self-esteem, and cultivate a mindset focused on gratitude. Grab my free June affirmations here.

NATURE: Nature walks are a fantastic activity to repeat as often as possible. We've been pushing ourselves to visit new parks and hiking spots, and it's amazing to see Emi get excited when she spots a bird or a dog. These walks can be mindful moments where or they can be opportunities to build vocabulary.

LIFE: Tidying up is a fantastic life skill activity to repeat daily with your little one. It teaches responsibility, organization, and the importance of caring for our environment. Making it a daily habit helps them understand that cleaning up is part of playtime. Plus, it can be fun! Try turning it into a game by singing songs.

ps. All my free printables are available here.

_{*All of the linked products are independently selected and curated by me. If you love and buy something, I may earn a commission.}