More than Music

Back on February 1st, Dig posted a request on Facebook, looking for creative ideals to keep her 2 kids entertained on a freaking cold day. 

dig this chick

Six below today. Taking ideas for creative indoor activity with two energetic kids. Go.

February 1 at 10:54am ·  · 

Many of us responded, but one comment in particular caught my attention.  "Spread a tablecloth on the floor, dump some dried beans out, and give them spoons, bowls, funnels, etc."  Me likey. It is simple, organic, and open-ended.  AND no batteries required (double-fist pump).


I added beans to my shopping list and spent a whopping $3 on a variety of bags, and dumped them into Alex's sunken table with a variety of spoons, cups, & funnels.  Seriously, it was toddler crack.  

Alex stood in the same spot intensely playing, scooping and pouring for 90 minutes.  

Unfortunately for a small bladder in training, I forced a well-deserved potty break on her.  Yes, there was a fit of separation anxiety, so a funnel made the trip to the potty with us.

Now my husband hates the beans because of the mess factor.  His solution: the vacuum.
  
My solution: purchase more dried beans. And to make it perfectly clear, I will win this battle of the wills. Subtlety of course.

The activity is still captivating Alex's attention over a week later.  And we've progressed from measuring and pouring to "make believe" eating and even bathing Elmo and her stuffed horse in beans. 

Beans are proving in our household to be much more than a musical fruit, but no less entertaining.


-J