Playtime with Dry Beans and Small Toy Vehicles

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Beans & Car Indoor Playtime

Are a grandparent with busy young grandkids and you need a break for a minute, or looking for an idea of what to do with them that’s enjoyable for everyone?

This is the BEST way to help expend energy, use creative juices, and encourage self-entertainment, or a bit of one-on-one time without technology.

The supplies are easy to keep on hand and quick to pull out any time.

If your grandchild has been ill, or maybe had surgery, how about sending one or two of these fun items so they can all have a bit of relaxation and know you are thinking of them! A bit of chocolate for the mom or dad too wouldn’t be a bad idea also:) See how to send it in a fun way HERE:

Of course this is a PERFECT activity for a parent to keep kids happy on bad weather days and it’s a great boredom buster.

 

Here’s how simple it really is:

You need a shallow pan to put the beans in for play. I advise deeper for younger kids to avoid beans from going onto the floor, but it needs to be shallow enough for them to reach in if they are small.

You need some dry beans. You can use one type or several. The more colors and sizes, does

You need vehicles to drive around in the beans.

That’s it!

 

SUPPLY SUGGESTIONS

Beans for one, maybe two children – THIS is a good option 

Beans for a few or several children – THIS and THIS and THIS and THIS and THIS for variety

Vehicles are the great part of this sensory and engaging activity. You can have a couple of things or many. I have a few for different ages.

Such as THIS for toddlers and for most all other ages THIS  

Tray or bin to hold the beans and vehicles depends on how large of an area you want to give for playing and the age of the child-children. Here are some ideas for you – THIS and THIS 

 

RECOMMENDED

Keeping the beans in a large container with tight fitting lid, all mixed together works well.

With the vehicles in another container with lid.

Then when the grand kids want to play, I pour out the amount of beans I want for that particular child, put out the vehicles and play time begins!

I hope this brings sweet memories of conversation, you sharing your stories and life, for their age understanding, so your grand kids can get to know you even more and the relationship between grandparent and grandchild becomes a stronger bond.

 

copyright Carrie Groneman, A Mother’s Shadow, 2020

Recognize A Blessing and Be A Blessing Today

 

Playtime with Dry Beans & Small Vehicles

I keep dry beans in a bag, then pull them out and pour them in a shallow box, or containers like these. I also have construction vehicles and small cars for them to drive through or build in the beans. When they are done I just pour the beans back into the bag to use again next time.  I've recycled mine for years now! The cars and construction vehicles are always in used in many other ways too. It's a fabulous way to keep them entertained for long stretches of time and for all ages. I like to have a variety for color and size because it helps to stimulate creativity and keeps them playing longer also.

       Click on titles to see products: 

6 Set Toy Construction Vehicles 

12 Pack Assorted Construction Vehicles Toy, Die Cast Vehicles Truck Mini Car Toy For Kids Toddlers

 

For MORE  inside boredom busters that you can take out for easy play here are some more favorites to have on hand-

I absolutely LOVE these noodles as they call them.  They are made from cornstarch and stick together with a bit of water.  They can stick on windows, or to each other! They do not stain, nor do any harm and come off with a bit of water. Great for the entire family for hours and hours of play.  Grab a bunch of them  by clicking on the word or product because once the teenagers and the parents see how much fun the little ones are having - game on! 🙂

 Stikits                          

         

Another FABULOUS activity!

Kinetic sand.  It is so cool and feels really neat.  Seriously, it's addicting for anyone who touches it to play and play and play.  It's reusable, sticks to itself and cleans up easily! 

This one:  Sand Clay for Kids, Kinetic Sand & Molds Activity Set

Or this National Geographic is a great choice too

Add in this Sand Activity Kit and you have tons of extra play time           

Copyright Carrie Groneman, 2017 Recognize a blessing and be a blessing today