I have 5 children and I am always looking for ways to entertain the the little ones while working with the older ones.  My children have always enjoyed playing with paints and play dough. It is a great way for them to enhance their hand and eye coordination. Expensive educational toys are not necessary, especially for young children. But of course, you can always place on their Wish List or Christmas List if they really want a particular educational toy.

Some items that we keep handy in our house are the following:

• wooden blocks
• wooden toys
• legos
• colored chalk
• measuring cups
• shaving cream
• funnel
• play sand
• rice
• dry beans
• finger paints
• play dough

My kids always enjoyed using measuring cups with rice and dried beans, which enhanced their hand coordination and they were learning how to measure as well. This was just another tricky way to teach while they are having fun.  My older children still enjoy these toys/games and will get involved when the younger ones are at that particular station.

Below I have included some easy recipes that children always enjoy to make:

Edible Play dough

1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup corn syrup

1 1/2 cups of powdered milk

1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar

Mix all the ingredients together. This makes yummy edible play dough.

Regular Play dough

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

2 tsp cream of tartar

Food coloring

2 tbsp of vegetable oil

1 cup of water

In a medium sauce pan, combine the first 3 ingredients and mix well.

In another container mix 1 drop of food coloring, the oil and the water and mix well.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir over medium heat for several minutes until the mixture forms a ball. Remove the ball and let cool in a bowl. Once cool, knead until smooth. Store in a seal tight container. This play dough will keep for 4 to 6 weeks and lose its greasiness after the first or second use.

These are only just a few examples of the many different ways to entertain your preschoolers while at the same time teaching them.  Stay tuned for more helpful tips to teaching and having fun while learning.