We are keeping things simple around here right now. Sammy is adjusting to school (sort of). Madeline is adjusting to having a little brother at school (sort of). Benjamin is adjusting to being the only little one at home with Mama (sort of). And me? Well, I’m adjusting to nothing. Change is just so hard for this Mama.

But bit by bit we are finding a new rhythm. Sammy is settling quite well, and truthfully, Ben kind of enjoys having my undivided attention.

After school is a challenge. And that is putting it lightly. At first I tried to give my little guys loads of free time after school to play. But that proved to be rather disastrous. So now I have opted for some quiet bins and structured activities to ease them into the evening.

Playdough has been something fun that the boys seem to be able to play with together without too much conflict. So I jumped all over that and planned some little playdough activities.

This Christmas tree playdough activity was lots of fun. Ben and I whipped up a double batch of our super easy no bake playdough and I simply cut some Christmas tree shapes out of green construction paper.

Nothing fancy.

But the boys spent a lot of time decorating those little trees – with tiny balls, and some long skinny garland.

I left it open ended and child-directed, but there is lots of other learning that could easily be thrown in. This activity could focus on patterning, sorting, or counting.

All that rolling and pinching is fabulous for developing fine motor skills and strengthening little hands for future writing as well.

I think I will keep this playdough thing going for awhile!

I have another playdough activity planned for tomorrow – and if it is as big of a hit as I think it will be, I will be sure to share it with you in the next day or so. And if not? Well, honestly, I think I might just have fun with it all on my own!

And if you want more simple activities to enjoy with your little ones this holiday season, grab my FREE Christmas Countdown Calendar and Activity Pack! The calendar has one simple holiday-themed learning activity to enjoy with your little one each day leading up to Christmas—and the activity pages are perfect to pull out a Christmas get-together or during quiet time! Get yours right here:

I hope you are having a lovely week friends!

xo
Sarah