Mark Making In My Diary

I use my diary every day and someone has noticed this! Tiny has observed me writing in it and now she loves flicking through pages and scribbling all over it. I don't mind as I'll enjoy one day looking back over my 2018 diary and seeing all her lovely marks. I think she's imitating what she observes me doing but again she engages most enthusiastically with 'real life' activities. For instance she loves pushing her own push chair rather than the dolls one we bought her; she adores ploughing through my wallet and now would prefer scribbling in my diary much more than using the paper I give her.

She then moved on to her knee which became a mark-making sensory experience! 

Walking On Ridges

Walking barefoot is known to improve and stimulate brain development and where better to do this, than on these ridges of compacted sand? Tiny also had the delight of being led along by her shadow! 

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Maze Of Rockpools

Wandering the maze of rockpools there was so much to behold! The wonder of stripey formations sprinkled with barnacles made it a sensory wonderland. Sometimes the sand underfoot gave way and Tiny's little feet would slowly submerge. We're already dreaming of returning tomorrow morning before the tide races in and swallows up the rocky playground. 

Feeling The Waves

Tiny loved feeling the waves break onto the shore today. It thrilled her and the joy kept rising with every wave. 

Water Park

What a find today - near the beach was this wonderful water park! Tiny stood enchanted waving her hands into the water jets like a little magician. 

Being bare footed meant she got to enjoy the many sensations of tiles, water and rock under her feet. 

Stacking Stones

This was a fun activity on the beach! Tiny enjoyed stacking and placing various stones on top of one another. 

Afterwards we paddled in the sea and I discovered that the 'splash, splash, splash' game that we'd played on our previous visit had paid off. This time she fearlessly ran into and from the crashing waves.

Newby Hall, Ripon

What a rich and exciting environment for a toddler or child! There was so much to see and do. Tiny loved the endless array of fun activities that were available for her to take part in - rocking boats; boats; a choo choo train; water fountains; beautiful rows of coloured flowers amongst swings, rickety bridges and slides. 

Water

Exploring water and the sensations that beings is one of Tiny's favourite past times. She has been enjoying turning the water container tap on and off to attempt filling the watering can up - this mostly results in her getting very wet! 

When visiting Newby Hall near Ripon she loved sticking her hand into the water fountains and seeing/feeling it course outwards in various directions.

Problem Solving And Climbing

It's great when you find park equipment that has been designed with a child's small body in mind. This little wooden truck is very popular with little ones in the park we visit. They climb up from the back; pull themselves onto the ledge; through the hole and wriggle onto the seat. It is wonderful as they are problem solving through movement which builds their confidence as finally sitting in the driver's seat you can see the sense of achievement on their faces!

Pen Y Ghent

Tiny loves being outside and having enjoyed going up a crag in the child carrier I thought I would take her up Pen Y Ghent in the Dales. She was happy all the way up and down even though the ascent and descent took about 3 hours. The ever changing scenery engaged her especially when at the top it was a scramble up & over rocks followed by a stunning view. 

At the top she enjoyed eating her lunch and scrambling in the heather. 

Even though she was carried up and down off the peak she slept that night, just like a baby.

Rock Pools

Playing in rock pools provides such new elements to exploration such as the sensations of squidgy sand squeezing through toes, water lapping against clothes and skin, light rippling on the surface and the feel of rough sandstone. Time flew here as Tiny got to practice her balance toddling and wobbling over rocks, through little ravines and in pools.

Museums

Going to a museum provides a wonderful space for a toddler to explore. They are rich with sound and colour; providing nooks and crannies for little ones to adventure in. Tiny enjoyed wandering about then stopping to look at pictures and eye-catching objects.