This is one of those activities I meant to do like a year ago. I was going to keep some in my purse so our daughter could play with it if I needed to occupy her for a bit (like at the doctor or at the store). And then I totally forgot about it. I pulled all the stuff out the other day to help pass time (it was a fast day) and we’ll see if she ever actually uses this as a toy.
- Paint chip samples (2 of each color you pick)
- These can be picked up for free at your local hardware store.
- Clothespins
- Scissors (obviously, if a child is helping consider using kids scissors).
- Glue
- Cut a small sample out of one of the paint chip samples (save the other for the puzzle “base”). This can really be whatever size you want.
- Glue this onto a clothespin
- Set aside to dry
- Repeat
- Once dry you could put the clothespins into a bucket and let them pick them out then put them where they belong.
Another option is to glue together a rainbow of paint chip samples on a paint can stirring stick. Then you do not have the different shades, just obvious different colors.
Our daughter had fun just playing with the clothespins and making a caterpillar.
It’s so simple I really feel silly even writing instructions. But sometimes simple activities are a must. This will hopefully help keep your toddler entertained at least for a little while and even helps teach colors by working on color naming and color matching skills. It also strengthens fine motor skills, which help with handwriting in the future.