What's on the Tray?

Here are Super Tot's activity trays for the week:

Foam Alphabet Puzzle

$1 at CVS

1-1 w/ Pony Beads

Place one pony bead in each section of the tray.
I've had this tray for years and can't remember where I purchased it.

Mickey Mouse Memory

There are two of each color, and we will play memory to match each color.  These are paint swatches from our local hardware store.

Puzzle Cards

I am in the process of making popsicle stick puzzles, but these will do until they are finished.
I think the cards were from Dollar Tree during Back to School.

Button Shape Sort

Sort the buttons by shape.
Buttons available here.

Color Sorting

This is one of our Busy Bag activities.  There are 7 colors of envelope stapled together, along with 4 cardstock strips of each color.  Super Tot will place each cardstock strip into the correct envelope.

First Words Magnetic Book

Super Tot was given this book for Christmas.  It is really cute and has letter magnets to spell various animal themed words.  I am using it this week in Tot School to give him some variety in our letter work.
Book available here.

Counting Bees

We've been using this activity for over a year now, and it is still a favorite.  Super Tot will place the correct number of bees on each flower based on the numeral shown on the mat.

Alphabet Writing

There is a card for each letter.  They are dry erase, so they can be used over and over.
Cards available here.

We will also be doing some File Folder Games and other activities.

Linking to:

1+1+1=1

Living Montessori Now

My New Blog!

I am so excited to share my new blog with you!

I have had my Princess and the Tot blog for just over a year and a half.  As you know, it is primarily an educational homeschool blog with a few crafts thrown in on occasion.  A couple months ago, I started having my weekly Fun Food Friday post to chronicle the healthy bento lunches I prepare for my children each day. 

After much thought and debate, I decided to start a separate blog just for my bentos.  After deciding on a name & theme, I collaborated with Diana at Custom Blog Designs to design Bentos on the Bayou!  

I would love for you to click on my blog button at the top of this post and come check it out!  Let me know what you think of the adorable design.  I know that I LOVE it!  

I will no longer be doing the "Fun Food Friday" posts here, so be sure to follow Bentos on the Bayou to see our fun lunches!

I must also give a big Thank You to Diana at Custom Blog Designs.  She was amazing to work with and her prices are great!  She was attentive, quick and very professional.  Her customer service is first class, and she is an absolute delight to work with.  If you are interested in starting a blog, or updating one you already have, I encourage you to click the button below and contact Diana.  She does everything from complete blog designs and makeovers, to adding a simple blog button or icon to your existing blog.  Her website offers many examples of her work, so be sure to go check it out!

What's on the Tray?

I'm a little late posting my trays this week, but I hope you enjoy them!  We aren't following a theme this week, just working on some fun skills!

Beginning Sound Sort

Sort the items in the bowl by their beginning sound.

 Nuts & Bolts

One of our favorites:  Match each nut to the correctly sized bolt and screw it on.

Washcloth Folding

Fold each washcloth into 1/4ths, then stack.

Button Sorting

Sort the buttons by the number of holes each has.

Counting Straws

Place the correct number of straws into each section of the tray.

Color Matching

Sort the cards by color and place on the correct crayon mat.

I apologize for the glare in the photo!

Color by Number

Practice those fine motor skills by coloring each section the correct color.

Pattern Matching

Recreate or continue each pattern using the cubes in the box.

Linking to:

1+1+1=1

Sun Scholars

No Time for Flashcards

Homeschool Creations

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

ABC & 123

Living Life Intentionally

Read, Explore, Learn

Living Montessori Now

Homeschooling on the Cheap

What's on the Tray? Car Theme

There is nothing in the world that Super Tot loves more than cars.  Not only does he love them, but he is more knowledgeable about them than most adults (even those that are really into cars).  He knows and without thought can recognize almost every make and model, and he loves to point out his favorites anytime he sees them.  It is fun to see him so passionate about it.  I have no idea how, but I do know that God is going to use this passion and gift for His glory someday. 

After parking by a Ferrari & a Lamborghini at lunch on Saturday, Super Tot asked me if we could do a car theme in school this week.  I threw together a few things and hope he enjoys them!  

Here are some of our activities for the week.  We will also be doing several of our past activities that I have included in previous posts.


Sorting Cars
Sort the car photos by type, and then by color.  I have printed and laminated 35 photos for this activity (5 of his favorite models, each in 7 colors).  We have done this before with just 2 models, but I added 3 more for this week.  This is one of his favorite activities, for obvious reasons.
~sorting, color recognition~



Counting Cars
Count the number of cars on each card and place the clothes pin on the appropriate number.
~counting, number recognition, fine motor~



Building a Model Car
Using the pieces in the bowl, complete the model of the McLaren MP4 12C.  This is Super Tot's favorite car, and he was so excited when we found this Mega Blocks model right after Christmas.  He will need my assistance with this one for the order and placement, but he can put it together himself.
~fine motor, critical thinking & logic~



Race Car Matching
Place each sticker on the matching race car on the track.
~matching, fine motor~



Peg Play
Free play using the pegs & transportation theme peg boards.
~fine motor, matching, counting, patterning, etc. - all depends on how he plays!~

 Cars Puzzle
Complete the puzzle using the pieces in the pail.
~critical thinking, fine motor~

Foam Rims
Complete each "rim" by placing the correct foam pieces into each puzzle.  I know this one is a stretch, but at least I'm being creative!!
~fine motor, color & shape recognition and matching~

 Color Match Car Parking
Park each car in a spot that is the same color as the car.  This is an activity we did last year, but I thought I would bring it out again for this week.
~color recognition & matching~

Counting Links
Attach the correct number and color of links to each ticket.  I can't really tie this one in to the car theme, but we are working on number recognition and this is one of my favorite previous activities for that skill.
~counting & number recognition, color matching, fine motor~

Be inspired:

1+1+1=1

Sun Scholars

No Time for Flashcards

Homeschool Creations

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

ABC & 123

Living Life Intentionally

Read, Explore, Learn

Living Montessori Now

Homeschooling on the Cheap