How do you keep a 3 year old entertained on a walk to a park with no swings? Easy! With a laminated I Spy! We stamped together the alphabet and laminated the sheet so we can reuse it again.

Off we went to Uphill (handy as it was a sunny day so no umbrellas in sight) and walked through the nature reserve and boat yard.

Normally Sammy would be tired and complaining he needed to go on my husband's shoulders after 15 minutes but this time he happily walked for over an hour challenging us all to help fill in the blanks.

A good idea for entertaining children who walk to school too.

I was so impressed he managed all most all of them without any help!

and Rainy Day Mum Tuesday Tots

After last weeks accomplishment we have been practising our S's and working on the new found skill - Sammy's handwriting. This week it is half term which means Ollie goes to nursery as normal but pre school is off for the holiday.

It is a precious time for Sammy and I to have a few hours on our own. I do have to work and check emails but we get to enjoy luxuries that time normally doesn't allow for.

Like a lazy shower together.

I love bathing with them and although it is a bit of a squeeze it is a pleasure.

Today we tried practising our letters in the steam on the shower screen. You could easily try this with a mirror and run the shower if you didn't want to get wet!

It really helped his 'flow' and he thought it was hilarious me taking a picture then showing him his masterpiece.

Do you bath with your little ones? When did you stop?!

I had a phone call from preschool the other day. In the middle of the day. Of course my first thought was "oh no what's gone wrong?" but in fact, the inspiring leader was ringing to tell me my big boy Sammy had achieved a milestone. I beamed with pride as she retold how he had requested a pen and paper and sat down to write his name.

Now I know some may have done this a long time ago and some will be no where near. None of that matters because the day that it happens is a great day, whenever it may be.

Of course his handwriting needs a little fine tuning! So at the weekend we grabbed a bucket of water and an old paintbrush, whilst Ollie had an afternoon snooze. We went into the garden and he dug at an old plant pot, scooping mud into the fresh water. A disgusting potion but perfect to paint with.

After painting the walls we moved onto letters. We traced over the S about a dozen times and did as many as we could before his attention turned to filling up a water pistol with the revolting water and I ducked inside!

The best thing is that the next day when it rained, the muddy mix was washed away. Zero clearing up required!

An easy activity to get them to understand how letters flow. Drawing them as big as possible and without a guide to start with.

Any other tips on how to help with handwriting?