Introducing Colors to a Toddler

Yesterday, Baby Bear had her 24-month doctor visit. She is 25% for height, 50% for weight and 75% for head circumference. Her communication skills are right on track, and she is only a little behind in gross and fine motor skills. They can barely tell she was a six week early premie.

Mommy's Big Girl

And since she is communicating so well and currently in the "What's that?" phase, I have decided it's a good time to start teaching her colors. I'm sure we will be putting her markers to good use very soon, but for right now, we are starting with a book. 

Red Car, Green Car

Years ago, my first grade teacher told me that books were the gateway to learning, and  I plan to pass that knowledge onto Baby Bear. We have read Red Car, Green Car 4 times today. Hannah loves pulling the tab to make each car change to the color featured on the next page. I like that there is a little story to go along with the colors and not just a list of random objects. 

For the next couple of weeks, we will be primarily focusing on the color red. I will be sharing our favorite books and activities, so that you and your toddler can follow along if you wish. For now I am off to work, and she is off to bed. 

Have a great night,
Kristie 

Mommy Snuggles

My toddler is super into books. When we go to the Meijer, I have to avoid the book aisle unless I am either buying Hannah a new book, or prepared to have a full on toddler meltdown. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled that she is enjoying books this early in life, but it gets expensive to buy board books once a week.

Our current favorite book it Mommy Snuggles by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben, which we found on Amazon.  Each page shows a different animal with her baby. The dialogue explains how the animal transports her baby, and as a bonus teaches children that baby animals have different names.

I am adding an extra lesson to reading the book and teaching Hannah some body parts that she has in common with these animals. She has learned where her mouth is, like the tiger carrying her cub, and where her belly is, like the otter carrying her pup. We are also working on back and arms.

Mommy Snuggle Time

Arms are where the human mommy at the end of the book carries her baby. This is my favorite part, because when we get here, Hannah launches herself into my arms and gives me the best toddler hugs, while I snuggle her close and rock her back and forth. I highly recommend this book to any parent looking for a book that allows bonding time and learning to go hand in hand.

Tell me what your favorite book is to share with your toddler in the comments.
Thanks for stopping by,
Kristie