Just popping by to tell you about a little hack I created recently to entertain my youngest at the table. Lucy, just recently turned 1 and until now Duplo has been something to suck, chew or generally lob at people or on the floor. I figure it was time to change this! (in a developmentally appropriate way of course!)
We have a couple of smaller base plates so with zip ties at hand I attached one of these to the top of her highchair tray. I then rested several bricks on the table next to her to take as she wished. I tried filling a bucket and attaching this but she just upended it.
I was very close to thinking this may actually not be the best of ideas when.... all of a sudden she started to build! she discovered the bricks attached and rather than destruct-a-girl she started to construct.
This video is of the first time she actually made something. (please feel free to skip. I was being a bit of a proud mum and videoed far too long! (a couple of minutes seems an age when your looking back!) She actually sat and played for an hour! I was so gobsmacked that it entertained her for that long, she was completely engrossed.
)
Anyhow since the video was taken Lucy has settled on one particular style, she builds lines, she claps each time in total excitement (as little ones do) It's so lovely to see creativity, even if it really is in its infancy.
One warning if you do this at home, make sure you wash any spills under a tap! I found using a wet wipe around the little bumps just made more mess!
One suggestion a friend of mine made was to glue Duplo to the base of bowls or cups to keep them in place. Think this is a fab idea (although Lucy will pull them up now and make a line with them so wouldn't work anymore).
Well that's all from me this week. I'd better get on with all my illustrating. Until then I will be popping by Handmade Monday as always to say hi.
Jen xx
