Establishing rhythms and activities for 14 month old

[mndoulamom]

Hello all,

I have a 14 month old and I mostly work from home and have in home childcare.  Since LO is getting older, I am looking at providing more of a rhythm to the day with finger plays, outings, etc...  I have been very flexible with my babysitters up to this point but am looking to ask a little more out of them.  I realize he is still very young, but am looking for some guidance on materials to provide a little more structure and activities/outings that he could do during the day.  I have looked at Seasons of Joy and Little Acorn.  Does anyone know if they would be more for an older child?  I would like them to incorporate music, finger plays, reading books about a theme, baby signing, daily nature walks, library visits for socialization with other kids, crayons, etc... 

Thanks for any suggestions!

[omMommaom]

Well I LOVE "The Joyful Child" by Peggy Jenkins - (it has a bit of a Spiritual kick to it.  But, I saw your :namaste: )..it is a compilation of finger-play-songs and ideas for letting your LOs Joy shine and guide.

We have always just let DS guide us though.  When we're out in the woods, he picks up rocks, so we build rock cairns.  My husband and I both love geology and can tell LO how it was formed, or what is in the rock.  We ask him how it feels to him.  We count them.  We thank them for the lessons they've taught us & we keep walking.  And in that way, every place we go we learn about what is striking his fancy at the time.  When we need more information, we research and learn more together.  

I'm not sure if this helps at all....but, I think really the only one who knows what will work is each individual.  Even that is trial by error sometimes! 

[mndoulamom]

Thank you omMomma!  I just looked it up and it looks lovely.  Of course amazon suggested similar titles so I've at least found a path to go down.

Much appreciation!