I finally got on the Pinterest bandwagon, at least I jump on every few days when I have minutes to spare, and my favorite discoveries are the ones I’ve found to share with Gage. As he gets older I am sometimes at a loss as to help him develop and grow and I have found some great fun ideas.
Here’s the first one I decided to try (the pin here and the orginal post here), the alphabet box. I did a few things differently, but the idea is the same.
I started by finding the perfect box (this part was easy since I’m a box hoarder. seriously, stop by if you need some and I’ll hook you up). I put the letters on the top using stickers. This week we have just started the alphabet over so I’m showing you my A and B box. Every night I put the letter of the day, 3 or 4 items that begin with that letter and a notecard with each of these items spelled out. I then place the box the designated corner between the kitchen and family room.
Since this is our second time through I will be trying to add at least one new thing for each letter.
After breakfast we go to the letter box and I sing the alphabet song. After I’m done I ask him to point out or say letters. After just 24 days he can tell you about half of the letters.
Then we open the box and see what surprises are in store. He loves the excitement of discovering new things in the box.
I can tell you that this letter box generates happiness all day long. He will take stuff out and when I find it I just put in back in the box for him to find later. Before his bedtime story each night we do the same thing with singing the alphabet and going through the box.
When I first tried this I couldn’t believe how much he got into it. Now he is OBSESSED with letters. Frankly I am so over Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, but I am amazed at the learning that has taken place in a short amount of time. Gage is 21 months old but I think this would work with any toddler around his age.
Because of my success with this pin I’ve decided to join in Trish’s Pin It and Do It Challenge, Round 2. I’m signing up as a Timid Pinner committing to 1-3 pins. I look forward to seeing what other fun ways I can help Gage learn.+
Sorry for the funky formatting of the photos. WordPress does weird things with pics and copy, no matter how many times I try to fix it!
Stacy's Books 
This sounds like a great idea…such a smart mommy and son:) Sending a link to my daughter for future reference. Have a great week Stacy
Thanks, Diane! I used to think I was a creative person, but there’s no way to keep a little mind occupied without help!
Do you and Gage ever watch those Leap Frog phonics videos? They’re all about the letters! Kids love those things, although when I watched them with my niece I was ready to strangle every frog I saw!
LOL! No videos. The recommendation is no tv before 2, BUT we allow Sesame Street and Super Why on PBS. Once he hits 2 I’ll probably do some videos and cut down on the SS. I’ve seen some of those epidodes at least 20 times!
LOL–I saw the title of the post and was all ready to say JOIN MY CHALLENGE! But you already did. 😉 Need to look into these alphabet boxes. I feel like I’m going to be the mom who sucks at teaching developmental skills.
That’s how I feel too!! I’m clueless, but trying 🙂
At first I thought Gage had a Pinterest account! I love his curiosity!! (By the way, I have WAY too many boxes as well.)
Jason makes fun of me, but as long as they are only taking over the basement he doesn’t complain.
What a great idea! I never use pintrest for anything useful…just to look at and pin pink things…lol…
I don’t have time to just look around. I’m really going for specific things. Maybe when I have more time I can look for fun, pink things 🙂
You should see the BIG grin I have on my face after reading your post and the photos! This is such an amazing thing you’re doing with Gage!! He’s so interested and loving it!!!!
Any day that Gae can inspire a big grin is a good one 🙂
What a great idea! You are so great at finding things to do with Gage.
Not really. The blog is like the cool trailer for an average movie, LOL!
Fabulous idea! Fun for both of you and good development for him. *Tears from memories and longing for toddlers again.* Thanks for sharing.
Toddlers, while not driving me bonkers, are the best. So hugable.
I absolutely love this idea, Stacy! I may have to copy you with Mouse. 🙂
I joined PInterest a few months ago but haven’t a clue how to use it. I keep hoping lightening will strike and I’ll know how. LOL
I’m a complete novice, but once you start following a few people who share some of your interests (and you can just follow specific boards too which I appreciate) you’ll find some fun things. I’ve just now started to dicover some of the creative mom sites.
Brilliant! Isn’t it wonderful the ease with which we can find creative people and their ideas nowadays?
Yes, it is. Thankfully 🙂
What a fabulous idea! It’s the perfect educational yet fun activity.
Seriously, can say all but 3 letters! He doesn’t always get them right, but he can say them.
What a smart boy! Sounds like a great idea.
What a great post! I’m loving Pinterest and can’t wait for round 2 of Pin It and Do It 🙂
I need to figure out which one to try first!
Great idea!! And isn’t it amazing how much their little brains can absorb and learn? I think this is going to be a great little challenge. I look forward to seeing what else you do.
It’s funny, when I decided to join the challenge I made sure I added a few easy ones 🙂
What a great idea Stacy, Gage is so clever 🙂
He is, isn’t he?
Thank you! That would be for exposing your child to letters! You have no idea the depth of knowledge you are instilling. This past school year I worked with a LOT of kindergarteners (ages 5 & 6!) that could not identify letters or numbers! Purely from a lack of care or interest on the caregivers part. 😦 It breaks my heart. Gage is going to be a genius in comparison. 🙂
That’s very sad, Joy. I’m sure it’s frustrating too. We’re still on letters, but after this round through the alphabet we’ll move on to colors or numbers next.
What a fantastic idea! Gage will be reading before you know it.
I’m hoping 🙂
OMG I love this idea! J can do some letters but the stuff i have tried to date hasn’t sunk in like numbers has so I am going to give this a go. And yay for being on pinterest. Going over to stalk you now 🙂
We haven’t started numbers yet. We can share good ideas on pinterest.
I love pinterest!!! This is a great idea for Gage..and you can apply it to numbers and colors. SO cool! I have one board devoted to professional ideas like this and there are many wonderful ideas on pinterest. I will be working with preschoolers this school year and am so excited! One thing I would share with you is work all you can on fine motor skills and not worry about writing/pre-writing until he is older. Kids can develop poor writing grasps and then it’s hard to change them.