A Little Imagination Goes A Long Way

One Toy + A Little Imagination = Hours of Fun

A couple of days ago, this mom was too lazy to bring out the toddlers’ toy box and just opted to reach for the nearest toy for the kids’ afternoon playtime.  Believe it or not, but this Mickey Mouse shape sorter gave us hours of wonderful playtime.

There are only 10 pieces to sort so shape sorting lasted only around 5 minutes, the time it took for the toddlers to be bored by the repetitious activity.

Jade then turned the bucket over and exclaimed, “C’mon! Let’s have a picnic!”  The bottom of the bucket became our plate and the shapes became strawberries, grapes, blueberries, carrots, etcetera, etcetera.  Some of the shapes were used as cups for our juice, coffee, Milo, and milk.

Although Jakei gamely ate whatever “food” his Ate Jade gave him, he was not keen on playing pretend picnic.  Instead, he “borrowed” the bucket, placed it on his head, smiled, and said, “E-ly Hat!” (Toddlerspeak for “silly hat”).  He entertained himself with his silly hat while Jade and Mama continued their picnic.

With our tummies full from eating all the picnic food, Jade then decided to join Jakei with the lid as her own silly hat.  Upon doning her hat, she announced, “I’m Princess Jade! I’m wearing a tiara.”  Insisting that I should be Queen Mama, she borrowed the bucket from Jakei and put in on my head.  I was able to convince her though that Jakei is a Prince and should have a crown too.  Pretending to be a royal family was replete with trumpeters announcing the arrival of the prince andthe princess, a sumptuous feast(with carrots according to Jade), and other royal festivities.

The bucket and shapes became a myriad things – a stool, a drum, a pail, a hat, fruits, cups, juggling balls to name a few.  And it provided us with hours of fun. This just shows that you don’t really need a roomful of toys to have fun.  All it takes is a bit of imagination and you’re all set for a good time!