Story Time with V & Me - Just Like My Mummy

Story Time with

V & Me

Just Like My Mummy

Mums, this is my gift to you this Mother's Day. Have a quick read below on things your children can do after listening to the story and once you've set it all up, press play on the story video above, and then RUN!

Grab some time for yourself and have a cup of tea and some biscuits (or simply go to the loo in private!)

You might actually want to get Dad involved with some of the activities so that they are a 'surprise' for you when your children hand them over on the day, which is why I'm doing this Story Time with V & Me a week early!

I'm going to break these ideas down by age/ability. You will know what your child can manage and you (or Dad!) can set up the appropriate craft/activity for them.

For the younger children:

1) Hand Flower Pot Cards

This is exactly as it sounds.The children will enjoy the sensation of having their hands painted. It tickles! and once you have gotten the 2 hand prints needed for the card it is lovely to allow them the chance to explore and experience the paint by giving them another blank piece of paper that they can practise mark making on. Remember the apron (or Dad's old shirt) and protect the surface you are working on.

Note that for the really young, it is easier to use a paintbrush per colour and you can then remove the water for washing the brush.

2)Potato Heart Print

If you look back at the This Tree is Just For Me Blog, you will find directions on this craft. It is very easy and requires minimal set up.

3) Colour Treasure Hunt

Decide on a colour, eg red for the love hearts for mummy, and go on a treasure hunt around the house looking for red items. You could also do this with shapes, eg squares, circles, etc. Remember to give your child a container to collect all the items into and don't forget to get them to help you tidy up again at the end.

This can be beautifully extended by including language into the treasure hunt. Ask the children to describe what they have found, asking about texture, size and shape. Also check if they know what the item is called and what it is used for.

For the older children:

1) Folding Heart Card

This requires a little more skill as it involves cutting and folding on the lines. Download the template below (which I found online) and provide whatever you think your child might enjoy using to make the card their own. If your child is old enough they can collect their own materials.

Please supervise the use of scissors to ensure proper safe use and correct grip.

This activity strengthens the hand for writting, improves hand eye co-ordination and fine motor skills. If they are able, let them think of and write their own message inside but it is equally acceptable for you (or Dad) to write on a separate piece of paper and have them copy the simple message onto the card.

Download Template Here

2) All About Mum

Dads this is a nice one to keep as a surprise for mum!

Ask the children a variety of questions about mum and, dad, you transcribe the answers word for word. A nice touch would be to write their answers on the back of a large photograph of the child and then place it in a clear perspex stand up frame so that the front and back of the photo can be seen.

You can ask things like 'What does mummy do when she is happy?' or 'Why do you love mummy?' or 'What is mummy's favourite food/colour/flower?' or 'Describe mummy' or 'How old is mummy?' This always produces fun answers! You can ask anything, lots of questions or only one, but the trick is to write down their answers exactly as they say it. Don't forget to date it as it makes a wonderful keepsake.

3) Breakfast in Bed

Dads you are up again.

This could be any meal and it does not have to happen in bed!

The main thing is to get the children involved in whatever meal you decide to make on Mother's Day. If they are not yet able to help with the actual food preparation they can lay a pretty tray/table, collect a flower from the garden or walk mum to the table. If they can help with the food, have them butter the toast, pour the juice or mix the pancake batter. Their involvement can be as much or as little as they choose but everyone must do something.

This act of service is a way for them to get a tiny glimpse into what mum does for them. They slowly gain independence as they master new skills which leads to a huge sense of pride when they can claim to have done a particular job. This leads to good self esteem and builds self confidence.

Happy Mother's Day to mothers everywhere. You are all special and very much loved!